Velo Angels - Ride, Girls. Ride.

Back in the Saddle

While most of the country is freezing, we are blessed with this gorgeous weather lately.  So, I have been riding.  Nothing extra exciting to write about...  but just to get back into some sort of riding shape.  A lot of base training. 

And, I'm thinking about doing a 5K/10K this summer.  Start from 5K and maybe move up to 10K.  Turns out I can run 5K slowly now (with some cursing in the middle), so my goal is to finish a 5K strong in a few months and maybe do a 10K later in the summer.

Stay tuned for my report on how much I hate running.  Yes.  I hate running. 

 

A Quick Note to Self

I don't know what happened to that hot weather we had for a few days.  Now it's so cool (chilly) that I may never have to worry about this.  But, I have a couple of notes to share with you...

About 2 week ago when it was really hot, I decided to go ride Mandeville not so early in the morning.  It was about 11 am. 

Note to self. 

1)  Wake up early and ride early when it's hot.  11 am in the windless canyon with no shade in sight is hell. 

At one point as I was bitching, moaning and riding, I couldn't take the heat anymore.  So I poured whatever was left in my bottle on my head.  At the time, I couldn't care since it was so hot, and what was left in my bottle cooled my head just enough to go to the end of Mandevile.  But, as soon as I stopped at the top of Mandeville, I attracted every bee in the 5 mile radius.  What was left in the bottle wasn't water.  It was my all-natural, subtly lemon-lime flavored Heed. 

For the bees, I might as well have been a jar of honey. Good thing we don't have bears in LA.

Note to self.

2)  Don't pour your electrolyte drink on your head to cool down unless you really like bees on your face.

It wasn't my proudest day... 

There's no clever closing statement.  No moral of the story.  So.  Yeah. 

Please Don't Kill Me

On a sunny Sunday afternoon, I was going down the twisty road of Palos Verdes East.  It is an awesome, fast descent well worth the 2-mile switchbacks you have to climb before that.  

The patch of Palos Verdes East I was riding is a 2 way street (one lane going up and one lane going down) with no bike lane.  Not only was there no bike lane, there wasn't really any shoulder to ride on.  The shoulder was about 6" wide and covered in mud and sand making it very slippery.  So, to be safe, I was riding in the lane.  It is my right as a cyclist to take up as much of a lane as I need to ride safely at my discretion.  I'm not doing anything illegal here. 

Things got really hairy after I heard the car honking behind me.  While I know my rights as a cyclist, I also know some people really don't like cyclists and don't want to hear about our "rights," and those people usually don't have the patience to drive behind us. Therefore, I scooted over to stay close to the white line so the car could pass me.  They don't have to deal with me, and I don't have to deal with them.  It's a win-win for both of us.  Right?  I was trying to be nice by "sharing the road."  But the asshole driver did not stop honking.  He kept honking more and more and drove up next to me.  Next thing I know, he started to drive closer to me so I had to move over onto the white line and into the non-existing, slippery shoulder.  As I rode on the white line with the reflector bumps, I almost lost control.  Who knows what might have happened if I crashed.  I might have slid in front of the truck and become the biggest roadkill of the day.  I might have flipped over the fence and fallen off the cliff like Frank Schleck.  Fortunately nothing happened.  I held onto my bike and slowed down enough to let the asshole go (as I screamed obscenity at him, of course.) 

I was angry at first, of course.  But soon after, I was really scared.  I was shaking. 

While I'm an adrenaline junkie and seek out thrills and speed in crazy sports, I know I am very cautious and safe when it comes to all my so-called "dangerous" sports like cycling and snowboarding.  I've never been afraid for my life while participating in these sports.  Unfortunately though, no matter how safe and careful you are as a cyclist, there are bad, stupid, evil assholes out there who don't respect the law, or more importantly, your life.  And, that's just how it is. 

It is my biggest regret now that I didn't think to look at his license plate number.  I was so desperate trying not to crash I didn't even think about it till much later.  We can be only so careful, and these assholes won't stop harassing people.  All we can do is to take their plate numbers and tell the cycling community to watch out and let the law enforcement do their work and build up a case against them.  

I don't mean to scare you with this post, and I'm definitely not saying that you shouldn't ride on PV at all.  As a matter of fact, you SHOULD ride the PV loop!  It is a beautiful ride, and it's one of my very favorite rides.  But, know that the crazies are out there, and you need to protect yourself.  Be ready for anything...  and if you see an aggressive driver harassing the cyclist(s), let the local police know.  And, I hope one day, the drivers and cyclists can really coexist on the streets of Los Angeles.  Until then...  Ride safe! 

team a2b - rolling!!

What a beautiful day to ride!  Did you go out to ride today? 

I did after a night of drinking half a bottle of wine and a glass of beer.  Why?  Why did I have to drink that much?  I don't know... but it tasted so good...  I'm just silly like that.  I wasn't feeling all that great at 7:30 am, but I'm glad I went to ride.  Riding always makes me happy.  Never fails. 

Speaking of happiness...  I have an exciting announcement to make. 

For the past 6 months or so, I have been working with my friends to start our own Sunday riding group. 

Say hello to team a2b.   Our first ride will roll out at 8:30 am on Sunday, May 9, 2010.  We will meet at Cynergy Cycles, 2300 Santa Monica Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90404. 

All the details are being finalized as we speak, but for now you can follow us on Facebook for any updates.

Our inaugural ride will introduce you to lots of fellow So Cal riders as well as some of the Cynergy staff who will be supporting us.  After our ride, there will be refreshments waiting for us at the store, so come back and hang out with us!  Oh, and did I mention a big special sale??  If you ride with us on May 9, you will get a special pricing on everything in the store!!  *GASP*  

Check out our FB page and become a fan so you won't miss all the exciting news!  And, email me with any questions.  I hope I get to meet some of the Velo Angels readers at this event.  Aaaaaah!  I'm excited!! 

Sex, Lies and Elevation Chart

You are climbing up a hill, exhausted and look down on your computer.  It says the climb (incline) is 6% grade.  What does that mean?  6% sounds like little, but you are definitely feeling it. 

When you go to mapmyride.com and see the elevation chart for a route,  parts of it is 4% grade average, but there is a mile section where it's 9% grade average.  Is this route hard?  

Let's talk about elevation chart.  What about sex and lies?  Well.  I hate to break it to you, but every time I put anything remotely sensational in my title, everyone jumps on it to read my blog.  So, it's just a bait.  I'm not talking about sex or lies.  Well.  A little about lies.  But more on that later. 

First of all.  What does 6% grade mean? 

It means that the height (elevation) difference between 2 points is 6 feet over 100 feet.  Say, point A is at sea level (0') and point B is 100' away from point A.  And, point B is 6' higher than point A.  Make sense?  See the picture below.  

 

Yes.  I drew this angle using Vectorworks, which is the CAD program I use at work.  This is what I do for work.  Not to draw angles, but to draft things on the computer.  OK.  I know.  I'm a big dork. 

As you can see, I measured the angle between 2 lines...  6% grade means, it's a 3.43% angle.  So, that's what 6% grade means.  Cool?

Whew.  Complicated.  Let me grab a beer.  My thinking part hurts. 

OK.  Back now. 

Next.  How to read an elevation chart??

As I mentioned earlier, you might see a route map with an elevation chart.  And, there's a mile of 8% grade average.  This is tricky.  Why? 

Because 8% average could mean half a mile of 7% grade and another half mile of 9% grade.  Or worse, half a mile of 6% grade and half a mile of 10% grade.  You see?  Averaging the grade of each incline for a chart could sort of homogenize all the individual spikes in the elevation and make it look easier (or harder depending on where you stand on how much you like to climb).  No matter how short it is, 12% grade incline could be quite challenging after a long day of ride...

For me I'm ok up to about 7% grade chugging along, and then I hit 8% incline and I blow up.  My friend, who loves to climb, she probably doesn't even feel anything at 8%.  So there you go.  This is why you can never trust an elevation chart.  First, you can't really know what's going on, second, it's really up to how your climbing skills are. 

Elevation charts lie.  I always hate myself for thinking, "8% grade!  Suuuure.  No problem."  That's what happened to me this weekend.  I was in the Santa Monica Mountains climbing up on Latigo at a record (slow) speed and wondered whose idea it was to do this route.  It was mine. 

Stupid. 

Here's the route. Make sure you click on the "show elevation" box to see what I'm talkin' bout.  Just by looking at it, it ain't too bad, right?  Oh, yes.  It's bad.  Elevation charts should never be trusted...  always expect it to be worse.  

Oh by the way, I'm not supposed to say I don't like to climb or I suck at climbing.

It's all in the head. 
I love hills.  I love climbing.  I love... 
Stay positive and ride safe! 

Dear Coach Ron

Thank you, Ben, for such a sweet post!  (I'm so badass!!  And, yes, I do have a questionable taste in men.)  After reading your post, I feel guilty that I've been having such a lazy week...  totally not badass.  Not much workout, not much riding and not much energy.  The only thing I've been doing ok this week is to convert oxygen into CO2.  Blah!

As a matter of fact, at one point on Wednesday, I felt so unmotivated and exhausted that I was begging all my Facebook friends to somehow motivate me to go out and do something!  While reading the encouraging posts/emails back from friends, I wondered how accomplished cyclists motivated themselves...  I mean, they have been successful for a reason, right?  I knew just the person to ask these questions!  I wrote Coach Ron Peterson an email. 

Dear Coach Ron,
How do you find motivation when you feel so empty?
(Be careful what you say in reply.  It maybe quoted in my next blog post.)

And here's his reply. 

"First question is why are you burned out?  Fatigue?  Too much work?  Too much riding?  No goal you're really looking forward to?
 
Once you know the answer to the above question it's much easier to figure out how to deal with it.  If it's fatigue due to either work or riding (or most likely both), just take a day off.  Saturday for instance.  Sleep in, go shopping (stay away from bike stores), be a vegetable all day, whatever recharges your batteries.  Don't feel guilty!  It may even take an entire weekend...
 
One or two days off the bike to relax and recharge could save you weeks of mediocre rides you're really not enjoying.
 
When putting together training plans I include a rest week, with about half the usual mileage every 4th week.  That allows you to push yourself a bit more the 2 weeks before, and really enjoy the week off. 
 
If it's a goal problem still take a day off.  Relax and enjoy!  The next day talk to friends, check out the local event book, and pick something that sounds really fun, as well as challenging. 
 
Make sense?
 

(sorry, wrote that as if it were going into a blog...)"

So, that's his Gospel.  Coach Ron was right about being tired, being over-worked and having no goal.  Damn.  No wonder I feel unmotivated.  I got to get my life in order! 

Now I have my calendar out and am really thinking about more structured training schedule.  I've avoided it for so long.  I'm not good at sticking to the workout schedule.  I'm not bad...  I just get so disappointed in myself when I miss a workout that it's easier if I don't have a plan.  I know.  That's not the answer...  Anyway.  Maybe my life just needs an overhaul.  More structure.  Scary, but worth looking into. 

Thank you, Ron, for an impromptu consult. 

Ron is an excellent cycling coach, as well as a wonderful bike fitter. 

Coach Ron's website, Peterson Training,  HERE

Riding in the Rain

I woke up Saturday morning knowing it would rain.  But, I simply couldn't bring myself to drive all the way up to the gym to work out for an hour.  So, I got on my bike and rode.

About 60 mins into the ride, I felt the first rain drop on my face.  It started very slow.  The raindrops hitting the trees and leaves in the canyon made light tapping noises, and soon they became this music of raindrops.  I was riding on one of the canyon roads, so it felt like I was completely engulfed by this music.  I absolutely loved it.  I wouldn't have noticed this if I was in a car.  

And, I love the smell of rain.  You smell the warm, grassy, earthy smell only for the first few minutes of the rain.  And because I've lived in LA for so long, I had almost forgotten what that was like. 

However. 

After all the euphoric high wore off because I got really cold REALLY fast descending, I started to wonder why the hell I decided to ride.   

I mean.  Riding in the rain really sucks. 
It's cold.  Descending is no longer fun because it's scary.  The road is slippery.  And, the breaks don't work.  Did I mention, it's really cold?  I can't hear the cars coming from behind because of the aforementioned "music of raindrops."  I can't see anything because I have water in my eyes, and my contacts are floating out of my eyes.  

I really don't know why I decided to go riding knowing it was going to rain... 
I guess the idea of riding in the rain was cool.  Hard core. 

Think George Hincapie at Paris-Roubaix. 

Mud covered and determined.  Awesome. 

But in reality, it sucks.  I know it does.  And, I also know George in the picture is thinking, "God, I hate riding in the rain." 

Beginner's Check List

Our cycling community welcomed another new member last weekend! 

Ben's high school friend Brad just bought his first road bike.  I think he's excited, happy and maybe a little worried.  As Ben walked through what gear to get other than the bike, I think we made his brain to explode with too much information...  Cycling could be a bit scary and intimidating at first.  I know.  I've been there. 

After he picked up his bike, Brad, Ben, Oli and I went to celebrate.  There, Brad asked us, "Do you guys have a check list so you don't forget what you need or what you need to bring on your ride?" 

Great question. 
So here we are. 

What to buy to get started.

Bike

Bottles and Bottle Cages

Lamps - white for front and red for rear (if you plan on riding at night)

Floor Pump

Saddle Bag (A little pouch that goes under the saddle to hold inner tube etc.) 

Extra Tubes

Flat Repair Kit (Patch, CO2 Cartridge etc.)

Jersey (and Baselayer, if you are into that.) 

Bike Shorts  (THIS IS WHERE YOU WANT TO SPEND YOUR $$$!  High quality shorts will literally save your ass.) 

Shoes/Socks

Arm/Leg warmers

Gloves

Helmet

Sunglasses

Bike Computer (Very helpful later on) 

Chain Lube/Maintenance Stuff

What to bring to your typical group ride.

Bike/Helmet/Shoes/Jersey/Shorts/Sunglasses/Arm and or Leg Warmers/glove

Cell Phone

Money

Credit/Debit Card

Proof of Health Insurance

Riding Food (Energy Bar etc.)

Sports Drink in the Bottles (I like Heed, Nuun and flat Coke!) 

Flat Repair Kit and Simple Bike Repair Tools in the Saddle Bag 

Baby Wipes (to wipe your hands clean after having to fix a flat or something.) 

Any Meds etc. You Need (I have a little thing of Aleve and spare contact lenses.  I always lose my contacts going down hill.) 

Lip Balm/Sunscreen (You don't want to be wrinkly just because you are active, you know?) 

What's not on me while riding...  I have in my car.  I have all my cycling gear in a HUGE gear bag and bring the whole thing in my car at all times.  In there, I have spare gloves, clean socks, comfy shoes to change into after the ride, a brush to fix my horrible helmet hair, more food, more electrolytes tablets, recovery drink (to help your body recover faster and better)...  basically I'm a one-person SAG vehicle. 

Ah, I feel like I'm forgetting something.  You know that feeling when you leave the house in the morning...  You know you forgot something but don't know what. 

Please leave a comment if you see something missing. 

I also appreciate your comment here since, I dunno, you bring something really cool to the ride that I've never thought of!  So, please share!

BTW, this one is for you, Brad.  Congrats!  And, welcome!  

Dear Mr. A$$hole at the Bridge

I don't understand a cyclist who's rude to a fellow cyclist. 

I mean, we are already unfairly hated by drivers.  Why can't we unite and stand in solidarity with one another? 

On our ride today, we were slowing down to get through this area where you can only go one by one.  And, this dude came up behind us and bitched about how slow we were.  "Some people are a bit faster than you guys are."  Wow.  Really?  Are you in that much of a hurry?  He rode past us and sprinted away.  I was in a shock for a minute thinking, "Why would he say that?"  He thinks he won't ever see us again.  That's why he could be so rude.  So, I decided to catch him just to make a point and make him uncomfortable.  I charged after him and came within earshot. 

But then I had a second thought.  Even though I wasn't particularly angry or anything, and the point I was going to make was valid and fair, (at least I think so), depending on what the douchebag might say, I had a slight chance of turning into a raging bitch.  I didn't see anybody behind me to back me up (or break up the fight).  So, I sent the douchebag a lot of bad karma and let it go.  I'm so proud...  I just know that the universe will take care of the rest.  To be more specific, I wish for the universe to break his femur.  Both of them.  In multiple places.  Into million pieces.  :) 

I still don't know...  Maybe I should have said something?  But if he's the kinda guy who is reasonable and safe to begin with, he wouldn't have said those stupid things and ridden like an idiot.  I guess I can't win.

Well.  Let this be a lesson for me!  I'll always be nice to my fellow riders.  I love this sport, and I know I have no right to ruin other people's ride.  So, thank you, Mr. A$$hole on MTB at the Bridge, for teaching me such a valuable lesson today.  I hope you have a wonderful day.   

Happy New Year and LBS

Happy new year, everyone! 

How was your first day of the year?  Mine was fantastic.  Ko (my friend) and I went snowboarding.  (Cheating on my bike.  I know.)  We saw the first sunrise of the year while driving to the mountain.  It was very special.  Really made me realize that it was the dawn of the new decade!  May this new year and new decade be filled with all kinds of excitement and happiness for you and me!!

Well, speaking of something special...

Do you have a good LBS?  LBS stands for Local Bike Shop. 

One thing about 2009 that was special for me was that I started cycling and in doing so, found a great LBS.  When I decided I wanted to start cycling, I didn't know where to go.  I did look online and did some research, but there wasn't much information about "how to start cycling" or "how to pick out the right bike".  Sure, if you put "how to pick out the right bike" in Google search box, a few (hundreds of) answers do pop up.  But the answers are either very generic that didn't help me or are too specific to the person asking the question in a forum of some sort (i.e. Yahoo Answers etc.)  I needed someone to talk to since I really didn't even know where to begin and was frustrated. 

I went looking for my LBS, thinking if I went to a bike shop, surely there will be someone who can help me!  And, by chance, I was referred to Cynergy Cycles in Santa Monica.  I walked in the store and was treated with respect even though I was completely clueless.  The friendly staff asked me a lot of questions, and he was patient and helped me through what my options may be without putting any pressure on me to buy anything at all that day.  He spent a lot of time with me and sent me off with lots of things to consider over the next few weeks.  I went home armed with information that became very helpful in deciding which bike I ultimately wanted.  

A few weeks after that, I went back to them and got my Ruby.  I really think I made an educated decision based on the conversation with the staff and am happy with my purchase.  And, that was just the beginning of how amazing my LBS has been. 

The management and sales staff is friendly and got to know me very quickly.  The mechanics in the back are like gods.  They know what they are doing.  And, they are good people.  They are extremely patient with me when I mess up my rear derailleur again and again.

These people at my LBS are not only my guidance in everything cycling but my friends now.  And, I really appreciate everything they have done for me. 

I'm not writing this to advertise Cynergy at all.  (I'm so expecting a free Amira next time I see you, Jim.)  Yes, they are a great bike shop, but I know that not everyone lives on the West Side or in LA.  I just wanted to share my experience with MY LBS so you have some things to look out for when you are in search of YOUR perfect LBS.

So, these are a few things to note:

1) Don't let them bully you just cause you are a girl, who's new at the sport.  Be assertive.  Be proud that you know nothing.  Of course you know nothing.  That's why you are there to learn.  Eff them, if you don't get the respect you deserve. 

2) Let them explain things to you in a language you understand.  Hello, I don't really care what gear ratio I'll be riding in.  53/19?  Is that ratio the easy gear or the harder one?  Carbon this and carbon that...  That's what the diamond is made of, right? 

3) Be friendly and nice.  I mean, really.  We are girls.  We've played that "nice" card to get what we want before, haven't we?  :)  

I hope you all will find or have already have found your perfect LBS!  

Ride safe!