Saturday the Day Before the First Day of Spring Ride

My ride on Saturday was pretty nice! I decided to ride the Uvillage – Issaquah 100k route (Redmond start) and I must say I wasn’t disappointed. I was riding alone so I decided to pick this route because most of it was on bike trails.

I parked my car at the free parking lot on the east side of Marymoore Park and then biked over to Peet’s Coffee about a block away. It was just about 10 minutes before 10:00 AM when I arrived at Peet’s Coffee. There must have been a group ride going on because when I arrived at Peet’s in Redmond there were about 15-20 cyclists enjoying coffee and scones and chatting away. Some were arriving on their bikes and others were leaving. With no time to waste and eager to start my ride I turned on my Garmin GPS and headed for the Issaquah McDonalds 9.6 miles south.

Kenmore

Log Boom Park in Kenmore

Cruising on East Lake Sammamish Parkway was a great warm up. I had nice clean shoulders to ride on and a great view of the lake and a few little rollers to warm things up. The only section I did not care for was the last mile or mile and half right after the circle intersection. The section of highway immediately after that circle was heavy with traffic. But I made it to McDonalds in excellent time. I turned around and went back the way I came heading north now on East Lake Sammamish Parkway. About a block away from Peet’s Coffee I turned left onto 65th street and cut through Marymoore Park picking up the Sammamish River Trail. The trail was heavy with weekend people out enjoying the spring weather. For the next 20+ miles I cruised on the Sammamish River Trail and then the Burke Gilman Trail which I picked up near Kenmore. Here the trail got a bit bumpy from roots that buckled the trail but nothing I couldn’t handle. I also noticed a lot of mud that had been scraped off the trail near Kenmore. I think the hill slid down covering the trail (a mud slide . . . go figure with all the rain we’ve been getting) but the mud was evidently cleaned off the trail. I arrived at University Village and it was bustling. I pedaled past QFC and then over to a little area where there were outside tables. I found a hotdog vendor and bought a hotdog and told the man to put everything on it. Fried onions, mustard, ketchup yum did it taste scrumptious. I refilled my water bottles went to the bathroom then began the trek back to Redmond. I stopped at Wilmot Gateway Park and took a picture of a fish sculpture I thought was unique then continued on. I rolled into the Marymoore parking lot a little past three when I realized my hubby tried to reach me on my cell phone. I called him and he reminded me that we had dinner plans with our good friends Jim and Kathy at 6:00. It was 3:00 plenty of time to drive back to Bonney Lake, shower, and meet Jim and Kathy. Mexican food at Puerto Vallarta never tasted so good!

Lunch at University Village

Wilmot Gateway Park

The route was 19 miles of road and 47 miles trail. It was a fun, easy, and scenic ride. I think it will be my P-12 ride for April. My last two 100k rides were pretty darn hilly and I feel a need to do a flat ride in April. But of course back to hills in May. Hmmmm now the question is when should I do my April P-12? April is pretty full in my "date" book and it looks like the only two good days are April 9th and April 23rd possibly the 30th but that’s cutting it too close. Whichever date I chose I hope Mother Nature will be kind and give me a sunny beautiful day.

100k Spring Populaire

My back is feeling much better. Thank goodness! Today I did the 100k Spring Populaire put on by the Seattle International Randonneurs. I finally met Don aka raleighdon. His wife Mimi I've met before on a ride with a bunch of team estrogen ladies. The ride yesterday was hard. The course began in Woodinville in a park just a block away from the Redhook Brewery. We cycled north then south towards Carnation. If you've never done the course it's a wake up call especially for people out of shape. Tons of rollers and two big hill climbs. The last climb is 20 miles from the finish and it's a long three mile hike up out of the Carnation valley. It's the same hill climb on the Flying Wheels Summer Century. When I climbed it last June it was a piece of cake but today it was a total bitch excuse the language, because right now I am so out of shape. I'm surprised I finished. On the climb up my quads began to cramp horribly (and painfully). I had to stop five times or more to massage the cramps away but when I got back on my bike and pushed they would cramp again. I finally made it to the top and was thankful that was the last big climb of the day. With only 17 miles left to the finish I was determined to see it to the end.

But I did enjoy the scenic route that was picked for today's spring populaire in spite of my suffering lol. Lots of farms with scenic country views, mountain, and rivers to enjoy. Low traffic roads for 90% of the ride. It's going to become one of my favorite routes even with the hills and rollers once I get back in shape. The temperature was in the mid to upper 40s with sunshine and clouds. A little headwind coming through the Carnation valley farmlands.

The stop in Carnation at Sandy's Espresso was wonderful. Lots of time to mix and chat with other people, get a hot mocha and a raspberry scone, fill my water bottles, get a real bathroom break, and relax for 15 minutes before continuing on with the big hill coming up and only 28 miles left to do.

This ride gives me number two in my quest to complete 12 consecutive 100k rides this year to earn my P12 award from the randonneurs. So 2 down and 10 to go! They should get easier as time goes on.

Mimi and me before the start of the ride.

Happy to be on my bike on a great ride.

Majestic spectator along Lake Sammamish.

Control in Carnation at Sandy's Espresso.

The start of the 3 mile climb on the Issaquah Fall City Road.

Don and Mimi with matching socks. Aren't they a cute couple?! :)

Along Lake Sammamish. Look at that sky! It was a glorious day!

The finish at the Redhook Brewery. Don, Mimi, and me.

Mimi and me with our hard earned 100k pins.

First P-12 In the Bag!

Today I did my first 100k to earn my Randonneur P-12 Award. To earn your P-12 award you have to complete twelve consecutive 100k rides. One per month to earn it. Today's ride was a little over 100k it was 104K. The route I chose for my first P-12 ride was "Southern Exposure" which started in Kent continued to Green Valley, up to Black Diamond, to Ravensdale, onto the Cedar River Trail, into Renton, returning back into Kent. It was a sunny blue sky day but it was also a cold windy day. Starting temperature was 32 degrees with a nasty headwind the entire ride. There were also three big climbs and a lot of rollers on this course. Needless to say I was exhausted when I finished. One down and eleven more to go.

Joe was waiting for me and we went to Pete's BBQ for dinner.

First control at Green Valley Meats.

Finish at Safeway in Kent.

2011 A New Year With New Challenges

Last year I finished seven cycling events. Accomlishments which I am very proud to have participated in and complete. They were the Daffodil Classic (65 miles), May Day Metric (75 miles), Lewis County Historical Ride (72 miles), Flying Wheels Summer Century (100 miles), Seattle to Portland In One Day (202 miles), RAMROD Ride Around Mount Rainier In One Day (154 miles), and Cycle the WAVE (44 miles). This year I joined the Randonneurs and will be attempting to complete a P-12.

Before I explain what a P-12 is, I think a short description of randonneuring should come first. Randonneuring is long-distance unsupported endurance cycling. This style of riding is non-competitive in nature, and self-sufficiency is paramount. Participation in randonneuring events is part of a long tradition that goes back to the beginning of the sport of cycling in France and Italy. Friendly camaraderie and perseverance are the hallmarks of randonneuring.

RUSA (Randonneur USA) has a new award program this year called the P-12. Modeled after the R-12, this award is for members who ride a sub-200km randonneuring event in each of 12 consecutive months. Being new to randonneuring I thought it best to start off with the P-12 and next year go for the R-12. The R-12 Award is earned by riding a 200km (or longer) randonneuring event in each of 12 consecutive months. The counting sequence can commence during any month of the year but must continue uninterrupted for another 11 months.

So beginning in January I plan to ride a 100 - 199km ride per month. And if I complete this task I will receive the P-12 Award at the end of the year.

Besides the P-12 rides I would love to try out a few other randonneur rides this year. A few of their 200km, 300km, and yes maybe even a 400km this spring/summer when the days are longer and the weather a bit more pleasant.

WTS Redmond to Carnation and Back

A big turnout for the first WTS ride.

I joined the Seattle International Randonneurs on their first WTS (Winter Training Series) ride today. We met at Sammamish Valley Cycle for an 8:30 sign-up, an 8:50 briefing, and a 9:00 start. The day was a typical January day in the PNW. Wet, chilly, windy, but the sun popped out half way to Carnation. It actually turned into a pretty decent day to be outside and on a bike.

We left the bike shop's parking lot and maneuvered through the streets of Redmond. We turned onto East Lake Sammamish and cruised for six miles before turning left onto Thompson Hill Road. The run on East Lake Sammamish was a nice warm up but Thompson Hill Road was a challenge. The grade on this hill is 9.5% and a few riders I passed were walking. Hey it's early in the season and why kill yourself on a training ride in January? I took my time and made it without having to get off my bike and walk but I sure was huffing and puffing as I ascended the hill. Once on top it got a lot more pleasant. The rest of the ride to Carnation was flat with a few rollers. One particular part of the ride I totally enjoyed was the descent down Duthie Hill. What a ride! Entering Carnation I rode along wonderful back country roads with very little traffic. The road that runs along the Carnation golf course was one of my favorites. Finally at mile 22.5 I arrived at Sandy's Espresso in down town Carnation, this was our rest stop.

At Sandy's I ordered a tall mocha which I thoroughly enjoyed. I took my time drinking it relishing in the warmth and taste of this wonderful beverage. After I finished my mocha, took my bathroom break, and refilled my water bottles I was on my way back to Redmond. On the ride back I set a moderate cadence and enjoyed the pastoral scenery. There was quite a bit of climbing again and another thrilling downhill to enjoy. And before I knew it I was back at the Sammamish Valley Bike shop.

Sandy's Espresso in Carnation

Last Months 3rd Annual Cycle the WAVE

I completely forgot to write about my ride last month. The 3rd Annual Cycle the WAVE on Sunday, September 19th. I have been participating in this ride every single year since the 1st Cycle the WAVE in 2008. It's for a great cause and it's totally FUN! Yes fun even this year in the rain! Riding in this event was a great way to finish the season. Wonderful people, great support and people, fabulous rest stops, cheerleaders, hot firemen, and a finish line that was totally out of this world. I look forward to the 4th Annual Cycle the WAVE!

Here is what I posted at the Cycle the WAVE facebook page:

I had a great time on Sunday! My applause to all the friendly people working at the fully stocked rest stops, to the hunky firemen offering hot tamales and cheers, to the cheerleaders at the start and throughout the course, to the guys posted at turns and bad sections on the roads, to the police officer who helped cyclists turn at busy intersections, to the kids at the finish line handing out the medals and candy, the vendors with their wonderful food, to everyone who helped in any way, you all counter balanced the rain. I had the best time and was happy with my decision to ride on Sunday morning. I can't wait to ride the WAVE in 2011!

2010 RAMROD (Ride Around Mount Rainier In One Day)

Thursday, July 29, 2010

It was an early start to a very long day! I was up when my alarm went off at 3:00 AM. I got dressed, got my bike into my car, stretched and then I was out the door for the 10 mile drive to the start at the Enumclaw H.S. At the high school I enjoyed a hearty breakfast, courtesy of the local rotary and lions club, of scrambled eggs, sausage, juice, waffle, hot oatmeal, and coffee. It was a foggy morning. The marine layer was thick, seems to be the weather pattern this month, causing condensation on my glasses as I rode. So I had to remove them for the first 58 miles of the ride.
I left the start with the rest of the riders at 5:00 AM. The streets were quiet and the traffic, well there wasn't very much. At each major intersection though we had a police officer there making sure we crossed without difficulty. The route continued through the towns of Buckley, South Prairie, Orting, and finally arriving at our first rest stop in the town of Eatonville. I was averaging almost 16 mph when I reached Eatonville but the course was downhill to Orville Road (mile 13) and then flat and then a very gradual rise to Eatonville. But this would soon end.

A "hill" greeted me as I left Eatonville. From Eatonville (elevation 800 feet) we had a gradual climb for the next 25 miles. Our second rest stop was at mile 58.2 (elevation 2010) just half a mile from the Nisqually entrance to Mt. Rainier National Park.

Mounthaven rest stop mile 58.2 just half a mile from the park entrance. The fog begins to clear just as I leave the rest stop.
Approaching the park entrance and the start of the 18 mile climb to the summit near Paradise. Next rest stop is 18 miles up at Inspiration Point. This was also our first checkpoint. As we entered the park we had to show the ranger and members from the bike club our number.


The ride from the park entrance to Longmire (6 miles to Longmire from the entrance) was beautiful. The climbing began as soon as we entered but it wasn't too bad . . . yet! The ride up was along the river and through the most beautiful lush forest I have ever seen. After 6 miles I reached Longmire and here the climb stiffened up. Plainly put, it got pretty steep! So from the park entrance we went from 2010 feet to 4800 feet in less than 18 miles. But the rewards upon reaching Inspiration Point were well worth the effort of the climb.

This picture was taken about a quarter mile from the Inspiration Point rest stop. I just had to get this picture of my bike with Mt. Rainier in the background!
Approaching Inspiration Point and the third rest stop at mile 75.1.

And this is why it's called Inspiration Point but this picture does not do justice to the real thing!
I reached the summit around 11:30 AM. That 16 mph average quickly went down once the climbing began. But I made up some time on the sweet 13 mile descent from the top of Inspiration Point. As I cruised down I passed Reflection Lake and was so tempted to stop and take a picture but I didn't; I just enjoyed the view as it went by. After the thrilling downhill the three mile climb up and over Backbone Ridge began followed by another sweeeeet five mile descent to Box Canyon and our fourth rest stop.

After leaving the rest stop I continued downhill past Ohanapecosh to the junction of highway 123 and the start of the last steep climb of the day, Cayuse! This climb was 11 miles long, very steep, with no shade, and starting 99 miles into the ride! Talk about a long 11 miles . . . it was brutal. Like I said there was no shade at all on this climb up Cayuse. The sun was beating down, and the hill just kept on going and going. I had to rest a few times because I was getting very over heated. I passed a few little waterfalls on the climb up and they created a very cold breeze as I went by. I was tempted a couple times to jump into one! :D And my water was quickly disappearing but 7 miles into the climb there was a water and sanican stop at the Deer Head Trailhead. Thank God because my two water bottles were almost empty. There was this wonderful man spraying riders with a spray bottle and I tell you it felt wonderful! And a wonderful older woman filling our water bottles for us. Refreshed and with full water bottles I continued up the last 4.1 miles to Cayuse Pass and the junction of highway 410. Oh I forgot to mention that we passed through three tunnels on the RAMROD ride. The bike club put up these neat signs that said Bikes In Tunnel but I didn't stop to get a picture. The tunnels were cool and dark but thank goodness not too long. The final tunnel was just 2 miles from the top of Cayuse . . . onward and upward!

Finally I reached the top of Cayuse Pass at 3:07 PM! Woot woot! It only took me just under two hours to climb Cayuse! But the downhill from the top of Cayuse to the Deli stop 8 miles below only took me 12 minutes. It was one thrilling ride from Cayuse Pass to the Deli Rest Stop. The road was in great shape and there was hardly any traffic! I was flying down at 40+ mph! My overheated body quickly cooled and I felt like I was flying. It made me think of the Tour de France, coming down a steep mountain stage in the Alps or Pyrenees. It was wonderful, exhilarating, and it made me smile from ear to ear! It was pure pleasure and excitement. Finally I reached the park's exit. After exiting the park, a few yards ahead, I turned right onto Crystal Mountain Blvd and into the Deli Stop.

The people were great and the food tasted wonderful. After a day of cookies, fruit, bagels, and peanut butter, a ham with Swiss sandwich, with lettuce tomatoes and a side of salty chips and a bunch of grapes . . . I was in heaven! I stayed a little too long at the Deli stop, leaving at 4:11 PM.

Only 35 miles to Enumclaw and the finish line. You're probably thinking all downhill to Enumclaw, well that's a half truth. The first 15 miles were nice. But after Greenwater there were a few little climbs left to do. Nothing bad but after a day of climbing through the park they were tough. And there was a headwind . . . of course there was! Finally 27 miles after leaving the Deli stop I saw an officer at the Mud Mountain Dam turn off waiting to help us cyclists make the left hand turn off of highway 410 onto Mud Mountain Dam Road. He yelled out encouragement as I turned, "You are almost there, only a little over 9 miles to the finish!" I thanked him and continued on. There was a sweet fast downhill off mud mountain onto the Enumclaw plateau and then I was on the out skirts of town.

About half a mile before the finish there was one more officer stationed at a busy intersection to help us again cross highway 410. And then it was just two and half blocks to the finish line. Finally there was the school where it all began only 13 hours and 11 minutes ago! As I approached people were clapping and cheering and woot wooting for me as I entered the finish and crossed the line. I made it! I crossed around 6:11 PM and a great guy handed me my official 2010 RAMROD patch! He told me job well done and reminded me to go and get my ice cream, which I did! It was delicious! The perfect treat at the finish line! :)

Total miles 148.13, average speed 12.9, ride time 11:28, total time 13:11, and elevation 10,127 feet of climbing.

A BIG THANK YOU to the Redmond Cycling Club for a day of cycling I will not soon forget! It was an A+++ ride and all the people involved, support, rest stop folks, officers, just everyone were great! You made my ride a very memorable one.

2010 STP

On Saturday, July 17th I rode in the 31st annual STP (Seattle to Portland) bike event. You can do the ride in either two days, 102 miles a day, or you can go for the gusto and do the ride in one day, all 204 miles. I chose the latter. I've been training for this ride since early March and all those weekend training rides paid off.

My day on Saturday began very very early, around 3:30 am. I wanted to get a head start on the other riders. I did not want to deal with the 10,000+ riders that would be starting at 4:45 AM. This year I just didn't want to deal with it. It was surreal being the only one on the road so early in the morning. But I wasn't alone for too long because apparently other cyclists had the same idea. I met a few riders who like me also went for an early start. I chatted with a few of them but we mainly pedaled alone in those early hours. Except for me and the other lone cyclists we had the entire streets to ourselves for quite some time. It was so peaceful riding during those early hours.

Our weather for Saturday morning was pretty chilly. We had the typical pacific northwest marine layer that rolled in over night. It was pretty thick too and would not burn off until 1:30 PM. It actually made riding nice. Not hot or wet but very comfortable. In fact I think it was the perfect kind of weather for such a long ride.

I was in a "zone" those first few hours and didn't stop for quite sometime. In fact my first rest stop was the Yelm ministop at mile 71.4 just before we jumped onto the Yelm/Rainier/Tenino Trail (Okay okay I did stop a few times at convenience stores and a gas station). I refilled my water bottles and drank a large bottle of powerade, ate two cookies, and a bag of trail mix before continuing on. I got onto the trail and was on it for 13 miles before returning to the road. At mile 86 I stopped at the Tenino ministop to use the bathroom and all the fast riders were beginning to appear. I was no longer alone but was quickly seeing more and more cyclists on the road with me.

I reached the half way point in Centralia just before 11:00 AM. As I rolled in I was offered a large chocolate milk which I drank down quickly. It was delicious! In Centralia free food was offered to the one day riders. Good thing for me because I was hungry! I devoured a turkey and cheese sandwich and a rice crispy treat, filled my water bottles, drank a large bottle of powerade and used the sanican before getting back on my bike and continuing on. I skipped the next two ministops at miles 105.85 and 113.55 and finally turned in at the Winlock rest stop at mile 120.3. Here they were selling hamburgers, hot dogs, polish sausages, and all kinds of goodies. Hungry again I bought a hamburger and a drink and found a table and sat down and enjoyed my feast. I talked to this really cool guy who was doing the STP for the 31st time! Wow, I was impressed. He told me about some years where it was so hot you wanted to die and other times of pouring down rain. He experienced it all! After we both finished eating we said good luck to each other and I continued on. I left this rest stop at 1:30 PM. This was also about the time the sun finally burned through the marine layer and blue skies appeared giving us sunshine for the rest of the day.

I stopped quickly at mile 143.9 to use the sanican again. Only nine miles to the Oregon border from this stop. Crossing the Lewis and Clark Bridge was a bit scary. The bike/pedestrian path was narrow and there were huge, rough, expansion joints on the bridge too. They were pretty bad but I managed to get across. I wanted to stop and take a picture of the "Welcome to Oregon" sign but the decent was fast and the turn too sharp making it pretty difficult to stop so I just continued on.At mile 173.85 I reached the final rest stop at St. Helens H.S. Here they were serving some great food so I helped myself to a delicious mini turkey wrap and a white chocolate chip cookie. I rested a bit longer here but finally was on my way again. Only 30 miles left to go! It was the longest 30 miles of the day but finally I saw a sign that said "10 miles to Portland" I was excited. I could also see the bridges of Portland in the distance. I was getting close! The sun was getting low and the shadows were getting long. It was a beautiful evening. The sky was blue and clear and the air "shimmery". Cyclists were beginning to accumulate as I approached the city. With 5 miles left to go I was swallowed up by a group of about 15-20 riders. Together we cruised through the streets of Portland. It seems we hit every single red light once we entered the city streets. We were all laughing and chatting and passing our energy on to each other. We were almost to the finish and we were all excited!

At mile 201.9 we reached the Steel Bridge and rode onto the lower-level pedestrian walkway. We were lucky because there was practically zero pedestrian traffic on the bridge as we crossed. With less than two miles to go we became electric and animated. As we passed people on the sidewalks of Portland we could hear them clapping and cheering for us as we rode by. Then there it was the finish line! I made it! I did it! It was thrilling, exciting, and totally rewarding as I crossed the finish line. I could hear the announcer call my number as I crossed and I could see the smiles and hear the cheers. A man handed me my 1 day rider patch and congratulated me. And there was my husband waiting for me. As sweaty and stinky as I was he came over to me and gave me a big hug and kiss and told me how proud he was that I did the STP in one day. I crossed the line at 7:37 PM. Over 16 hours ago I was in Seattle and now here I was in Portland. My ride time was 13.49, my average speed was 14.7, and my total miles was 203.19. What a day, what a ride, what an experience.

Vader ministop at mile 127. Only 25 miles to the Oregon border and 76 miles to Portland.

Me crossing the finish line in Portland.

I did it! Woot woot!

I'm proud of this, my one day rider patch!

Flying Wheels Summer Century 2010

I forgot to write about my ride on Saturday, June 12th. I rode the century course in this year's Flying Wheels Summer Century. It was a great ride with perfect weather. The start was at Marymoor Park in Redmond. The ride took me through some beautiful scenic back roads and quaint towns. Some of the towns I passed through were Carnation, Monroe, Duval, and Snohomish. The course was VERY hilly. My first hill, Inglewood Hill, was 4.5 miles into the ride, with a 12% grade! And my last big climb was 82.5 miles into the ride with a 10% grade. But I made every single hill and finished with strong legs. There were five rest stops on this course and all were well stocked. It was an A+ ride. At the finish there was a lot of great food booths. The first thing I did upon finishing was grab a cold chocolate milk and drink it down. Then I walked over and bought a hot link with onions and sauerkraut. After a day of power bars, cookies, and fruit the hot link was like heaven. I got home around 6:00 PM and showered and then my wonderful hubby took me out for Mexican food. When I got home the day and ride finally caught up with me. Tired I went to bed and fell into a deep and wonderful sleep.

28th Annual Lewis County Historical Bike Ride

On Saturday I rode the 72 mile course in this year's annual Lewis County Historical Bike Ride. The start was in Chehalis at Stan Headwall Park. I left my house at 5:40 AM and drove the 70 miles so that I could start by 7:30 AM. It was a cold morning, with a temperature of 38 degrees. But the sky was a crystal clear blue and the sun was shining brightly. After 20 minutes of pedaling I began to warm up nicely. By the time I reached the first rest stop at mile 15 I was peeling off my arm and ear warmers. The ride was through some of the most beautiful and scenic lands in this state. I had great views of Mount Saint Helens, Mount Adams, and Mount Rainier. The entire ride was on quiet low traffic back roads of pastoral farmland. And as the name of the ride says our rest stops were at old historical sites. It was fun, scenic, and educational. The course was very hilly and my partner of late my friend Mister Headwind was with me the entire ride. I finished a little after 1:00 PM. On my way home I stopped at a local Arbys and devoured a medium roast beef sandwich with horsey sauce. It was delicious!

Some of the historical sites where our rest stops were and some of the other historical sites I pedaled by were:

Jackson Prairie Court House just beyond highway 12 which used to serve as the first district court north of the Columbia.

We passed by the Lewis and Clark State Park which opened in 1923. It has the largest stand of old growth trees in western Washington.

Our first rest stop was at the St. Francis Mission which was first occupied in 1838 and the site of the oldest Catholic Mission in the state.

Evaline School, my second food stop, is one of the few remaining two room schools in the state. First through sixth grades are still taught in this building. The bathrooms were unique! Swinging doors and steps that lead up to the toilet!

Claquato Church, third rest stop, built in 1859 is the oldest standing protestant church in Washington. It is still used for special occasions.

Evaline School.

Claquato Church.