Finish Line Seattle

It turns out that the Senior-Guildforders can't really do anything for the hungry cyclist like I though they could.  It would involve time, too much money, a very professional looking display, and getting the ok from the British Columbia Association for Charitable Gaming to do a raffle that's legit and would bring in some real cash and not just pocket money. It clearly doesn't work the way I imagined.
But, they said, I am welcome to organize another fundraiser myself and that I would get their support.
I had hoped that someone else would come forward because originally we had planned that every team member would do one fundraising event. We've done 3 so far. And we are 9 people.
There continues to be this eerie silence about the whole fundraising issue. I don't have much hope and I am moving on to other ways of thinking and being.

So I said to myself, what the hey! Let's focus for a moment and remember what my goals were when I registered.
Goal # 1: raise some loot to help people in need. -Check!
Goal # 2: cycle until my thighs burn. -Double check!!
Goal # 3: Have fun while doing it. -Half-a-check...
Goal # 4: get my behind to Seattle! -To do

Clearly, goal # 3 and 4 needed some attention. So what was there to do? One thing, and one thing only:

Go. Visit. Seattle already!!

Here some impressions of my trip:

 Canadian-US Border - I'm going in!

Why, thank you!

The streets of Washington State

 Convention Center in downtown

 Space Needle, baby!

Anthony's at the waterfont 

I can't really say that the ride was "epic" in any way. There was no cheering and hoopla about it and there certainly weren't any cycling crowds, just tons and tons of cars. Way too many cars...

However, it was a great trip that made everything feel alright again.

My blogging habits will change from now on. I have a strong sense of fullfillment and accomplishment and I am not sure if there will be much more to add.  Turns out that I did end up doing my very own thing in my own way and I am happy and content with that. All the goals I originally had are met as of yesterday. 

Christina's Ride to Conquer Cancer was certainly quite different from the official version, but that's just the way I roll. Maybe there was really not much doubt that it would be a unique undertaking. People who know me in person know that I have my own way of doing things. Starting at the home-made logo over the Rebel Ride idea to the altered T-shirt. I just seem to always 'personalize' things and can't leave them just the way they are, which, in my world, is a quality I call creativity.

I'll leave this Blog online for others who may consider registering for the ride in the future. May it be helpful and give a honest and real look at what it can be like.

A very special thank you to Ronda Laveen of Ronda's Wonderland and Sherry at Mrsupole's Place who have been amazingly supportive in any way imaginable. I have never even met these two lovely ladies in real life. Their compassion, support and big hearts humble me immensely.

Thank you also to Tatoos and Teething Rings, a Blogger who is no more but really helped me in the early days of the project.

And last but not least:  Thank you proud sponsors! I am truly impressed with all the donations you have made. Most of you don't even know me very well or very long but that didn't stop you to show me lots and lots of love. I think I've recieved a donation from pretty much every person I approached, with maybe 2 or 3 exceptions. Some people pulled out their wallet right away, others had to think it over, but 98% of you came through at the end, which was truly amazing and very touching.

Thank you and farewell, everyone!

Come visit me at Christina's Outlet some time, that's my permanent "home" on the Internet.

Surprising Turn of Events

I've just received an email from our team captain that two more members of our group have been given a large donation from a corporate sponsor that puts them well ahead of the game. So 4 out of 10 team members are definitively "safe", which is great.
But -
now I am starting to understand why these key players were really not all that interested in any more fundraising events last time we spoke! For a while it felt to me like people are just giving up and I could not comprehend why.

Well, I sure hope they will continue to support the efforts of the rest of us. We definitely will need their help because they have access to resources we others just don't have, plus they are the foundation of the team, the driving force, and inspiration.
Please don't leave us hanging, Guildford gang! It's not like we're not trying, we're just lacking the big sponsors and have to do way more legwork than you - and I don't mean on our bikes (hehe). :-D

I also wonder why they've recruited all those people in the first place. There was not much doubt that this little original group could have reached their goal easily without any additional help. They didn't even need all those extra bodies to volunteer at events, because they did most of the work themselves. I am beginning to understand why they were a bit hesitant to accept my offers to help out at times. I think they saw it coming that they wouldn't be able to feed me the way I expected to be fed and didn't want to take advantage of me.
I think they were just not really thinking how things would unfold when recruiting all those poor and hungry cyclists. I am sure they thought "the more the merrier" and now they are a bit. Hm. Well. Ok then. Good luck to you!
Could that be the reason why we haven't really gotten together for rides thus far? Why we never did any teambuilding stuff as of yet? Why there wasn't much communication in general?
Was it because people started to feel overwhelmed by the way things developed? Maybe the Guildforders assumed the single riders would rake in more cash on their own than they actually did and all of the sudden they felt being put in the position of having to take care of all of us? Turns out that more doesn't necessarily mean merrier, huh? And I guess it's true: that is a lot of responsibility, having to take care of 6 people financially.

Sure, I can't just sit around and cry "me so hungry!" so I came up with a few constructive ideas that could help the ones in need in our team. Let's see what Guildford can do for us. There's not much time left, though...
I'll have to make a decision soon.


Wow, what an experience this whole thing is.

But let's also not forget: this is about a good cause after all.

One Month left!

In one month exactly, on June the 19th, I am supposed to ride to Seattle with Rusty Number 2.

Today I feel like scuffing and saying "Yeah right!! Like that's ever gonna happen".

No matter how I slice it, I just don't see it coming together financially.

I am allowed to scuff. This is my Blog. In which I am keeping it real.

And I will volunteer, so there's no real harm done.

Take that, delusion! I am waaay ahead of you! Harhar!

Money's too tight to Mention

I did another little number crunching session just now - and I honestly still don't know how we're going to manage.

• We have one team member who has reached her goal (the poor woman may end up being the only Guildford Rider cycling down to Seattle! :-o Kidding!)
• There is one team member who is certain that he'll get the funds required. He's found someone who is willing to match what he's raised so far and that will definitely be enough, since he's already at $2,275.00
• The remaining team members need a whopping $ 10,929.00 in total in order to ride.
• We've raised approximately a bit over $2,000.00 with our two fundraising events. There is one more raffle and then we are pretty much done with ideas and activities.

So yeah, lots of hungry cyclist mouths to feed, nowhere near enough money to do so.
Unless there is something I am not aware of...

Bowling!

What a great and crazy night this was! Here a few impressions:

 Silent Auction

Awesome knight mural 

I want countertops like that!  

How to Change a Flat Tire

Grmpf! Rusty Number 2 has caused me a lot of grief so far. Not sure why that is but I am getting ever so slightly annoyed.
Well, ok. I have to admit, this one I brought on myself. Remember this Training Ride and Bike Clinic I attended in March? Remember how I busted the valve of then still brand new Rusty Number 2? It's been holding up for a while now but lately the tire kept losing a bit of air. So I thought I should give it a good pump before my ride just to make sure the otherwise perfectly fine tube won't suffer any punctures. Everything seemed ok while pumping away. The tire felt just right. So I released the pump.
*PFFSH!!!*  Well, I'll be darned! All air escaped and the tire was as flat as Milwaukee's Best. The valve finally broke off completely. Argh! So I had to put the lessons learned to work and replace this otherwise perfectly fine tube! >:-(
Here's how:

"YOU’LL NEED THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:

TIRE IRONS, BIKE PUMP, PATCH KIT OR SPARE INNER TUBE

Follow these steps:


1] Remove the wheel and depress the valve stem to release any remaining air." That really wasn't necessary in my case.

"2] Insert the end of one tire iron under the tire edge and hook the other end to spoke. Start near the valve.

3] Insert the second tire iron  in a similar way a few inches from the first tire iron. Slide the second tire iron to pry the rest of tire edge off one side of the rim. Leave other side of tire edge on the rim.

4] Carefully remove the inner tube and locate the puncture by inflating the tube with your tire pump." Soo not necessary in my case. "To find the puncture, listen and feel for escaping air. If you’re at home, immerse the inflated tube in water and look for air bubbles. Inspect the inside of the tire and remove any sharp objects that may have caused the flat." Yeah, yeah, yeah, let's move on!

"If you’d rather replace your tube entirely, skip to step 9."  Skipping! Skipping ahead!!
 
5] After locating the puncture, rough up the area with sandpaper contained in your patch-kit.
 
6] Apply the rubber cement contained in your patch kit, and let dry for five minutes [or as patch kit manufacturer specifies].


7] While the rubber cement is drying, make sure the rubber inside the rim is on straight and covering the tops of the spokes.

8] Peel off the back of an adhesive tire patch and fasten the patch in place over the puncture.

9] Place tube back into tire. Place the valve stem back through the rim hole, and tuck the rest of the tube inside the tire - working away from the valve.

10] Using your hands, reinstall the tire onto the rim. Do not use tire irons, unless absolutely necessary.

11] Partially inflate tire and check that the tire edge is even all the way around and not pinched between the tire and the rim. Also, listen for the sound of escaping air from the tube. Inflate tire to the pressure marked on sidewall of tire.

12] Remount wheel on your bike, checking alignment and brake adjustment."
 
Done! Let's GO already!

My Crafty Self - Tee for the Cause

Back at the Orientation Session we all recieved a free T-Shirt. The Guildford Riders decided that it'd be really nice to wear them when we get together for funraising events. A great idea! But...
I have my problems with this T-Shirt. It doesn't fit me even though I picked the smallest size. I feel quite uncomfortable in it and would never wear it given the choice. Here's how it looked on me:

 Some may feel that this is perfectly fine. But I like my attire to fit me snugly, like so:

Now this is a nice fitting piece of clothing, isn't it?

I certainly don't want to be a party pooper and not wear the tee and come up with lame excuses (I forgot, I lost it, the dog ate it, ...) but I just wouldn't wear it the way it was. So what was there to do?

Good thing that I am in possession of a sewing machine, a daredevil spirit, and the inherited skills of two seamstress grandmothers (which I hardly put to use) who both have since passed on. But I'd like to think that their sewing ways are still very alive and well!

(Plus I could always ask the Foundation to please send me another T-Shirt, I have the feeling they have some extras laying around.)  

So! With no futher ado I give to you...

The Official 2010 Ride to Conquer Cancer fitted Tee!

Fetching, isn't it? Bowling night here I come!

(I wonder if my fellow female riders will notice and ask...)

Many thanks to Stacy from the Sewing Republic for her instructional video.

It helped me a lot, especially with the sleeve issue.

Jessica

Little Jessica Liggatt is the reason for the formation of our team, the Guildford Riders. She was a real trooper and it's hard to believe what she went through.

Here's what somebody wrote about her: 
"Jessica was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer in 2008. She was only 1 of 3 cases ever reported to have this kind ofbrain tumor.  She spent the next year going through high intensity Chemotherapy. In November 2008 the tumor was gone. Treatment was continued as a cautionary measure.
In April 2009 Jessica underwent a stemcell transplant to finalize her treatment. By June 2009 the aggressive tumor reappeared requiring Jessica to undergo high intensity radiation treatment. In August 2009
the tumor had dissolved and the young girl was free of cancer. 
Throughout her treatment Jessica remained positive, happy and full of live. She met many new friends and was always smiling, never allowing others or herself to be sad. She loved playing with her little sister Lybbie and her baby brother Dylan. She loved singing, dancing, music, and Yoga which she could always be found doing, even when she was so very ill. She got to see the Jonas Brothers in concert, attended the Juno Awards, and even met Zac Efron and Selena Gomez.
Her love for life was always her strength. Jessica’s biggest joy was to finally go back to school with all her friends and favourite teachers. She loved school.
On October 24th 2009 the tumor reappeared in a dangerous area of the brain which could not be treated.
Jessica lost her couragous battle on November 28th 2009 at the young age of eight."

Wine Tasting!

Yesterday we finally had our first fundraising event, "The Grape Escape Wine Tasting".
It was a blast!
Good friends, good food, good wine, and good vibrations. Everybody was so cheerful, friendly and supportive, it was wonderful. Here are a few impressions:

John Gerum of West Coast Wine Education

John introducing us volunteers to the complex and miraculous world of wine etiquette.

Appetizers!

I was representing South Africa: Wolftrap - a blend of Syrah, Mourvedrem, andViognier. (There were never any wolves sighted in South Africa though)   - And... uuhhhmm... a white value wine!

Some of our guests

Everybody received a goodie bag

I can hardly wait for the things to come. All this is very rewarding.

Revised Backup Plan

Some may remember my rebellious backup plan from as early as March (!).
Weeell... I had a bit of time to think things over and I've decided that that was a poor idea.

First I'd like to examine if a backup plan is really neccessary at this point. Taking into account the amount of time left, the fundraising activities planned, the number of team members in need of serious cash, the number of millionaire friends we all have (there may be ONE, which is pretty awesome! :-D), and the number of friends not suffering from donor fatigue yet (there may another one, LOL!), it is fair to say that: yes, darn it! Planning for "just in case" sounds like a pretty sensible idea at this point.

So back to what there is to do, then. I've actually started asking around as early as Mid-April to see how other riders feel about the Rebel Rider idea. The response was mostly something like "weeeell, let me just see how I'll be doing. All the best to you, though!" - and it's starting to dawn on me why that is:

1. Safety: Who's going to look out for this small group of rebellious riders on the road? What if someone gets hurt? What if someone can't continue?
2. Safety: Is this small group of rebellious riders very visible on those busy streets? Wouldn't we put ourselves at a somewhat high risk?
3. Liability: What if someone needs to go to the hospital? What about insurance? 
4. Questionable rebellion: Who or what exactly would we protest against? A Not-For-Profit-Organization raising funds for critical cancer research? Against the rules said organization has established?
5. Questionable rebellion: Isn't it kind of sad to be so stubborn to not even be able to accept and be bitter about a set of rules an organization established that is trying to make a positive difference across the nation while being financially and legally responsible?
6. Doing the right thing: Wouldn't it be much better to not be so money focused oneself if one has trouble reaching the goal? Wouldn't it be nice to be in it for the cause, to do one's best no matter what, to have fun with it and enjoy the experience as a whole?
7. Doing the right thing: Wouldn't it be nice to take the Foundation up on their offer  and volunteer at the event in case the goal is not met? Wouldn't that be the responsible, supportive, and positive thing to do?  I very much think so!

So I'll be leaving my stubborn self behind now because it is really not of much use here.
If  "just in case" should become a reality, you'll find me handing out muffins, cheering riders on, cutting fruit, setting up tents, flagging and directing, or what have you. I am sure they'll let me wear my rebel pirate pants while doing that plus I get to take loads of photographs and video footage for this Blog for all to enjoy!

I am part of this thing and I shall do it right!

(And I apologize for having been a rebel with a cause about it - or so I thought - earlier...)

Musical Video Plea to Combat Donor Fatigue

Haha! I stumbled upon this little gem yesterday on my break. Michael pretty much sums it up.
Tell it like it is, Michael!


(He's almost reached his fundraising goal, too.)

Blogging Break

Something in my professional life has come up that needs all my attention for a while so I will be taking a little blogging break.
Rest assured that I will continue training and raising funds. This is just a "see you later" and I am by no means finished.
I will be back, as the Terminator says... ;)

Putting the Fun into Fundraising Part 2 - Big Lebowski Style

I absolutely love this movie. If you haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend it. 

So I am pretty excited about our next fundraising event that's in the making: 

"Bowl with a Good Friend 

Looking for a fun night out with friends, drinks, food, 2 hours of bowling and a chance to win some amazing prices?
Look no more and join the Guildford Riders on Friday at the Bowling Centre!

Tickets include a drink, a burger, bowling shoe rental and 2 hours of facility use. They go for $25.00 per person and can be purchased by contacting one of the Riders.
Reservations can be made ahead of time.


Most of the proceeds will will be donated to The Guildford Riders, participants in The Ride to Conquer Cancer to benefit the BC Cancer Foundation. " 

Half Way There!

An email from the foundation this morning:

Hi Christina,

We're sending this note to let you know you're half way to your fundraising goal. Congratulations! You've made great progress, so don't slow down now. Use the momentum you've gathered so far to speed ahead.
You'll reach 100% of your goal soon, but if you feel like you're stuck, here are some things ... yadda yadda yadda...

Keep up the great work!


Sincerely,

The Ride to Conquer Cancer®

Benefiting BC Cancer Foundation

Fundraising Goal:
$2,500.00

Total Raised:
$1,270.00

% of goal:
50%"




Ha! That works for me!

Fuel-based Racing from Puerto Rico via Turkey to Germany

As I mentioned before, I like my inspirational music when I hit the gym - either while beefing up for a Ride to Conquer Cancer or any other time. Almost anything that conveys speed, high energy, motion, and testosterone (which you naturally produce/ secret while exercising, woman or man) tickles my nerves.
I am lucky to have access to a wide range of different genres and enjoy this diversity, politically correct or not.
So today's post is about gasoline. Contrary to the modern cyclist's belief system I do draw a lot of inspiration from fuel based songs like the following two. There. Actually, they are not just about fuel, but also about fast cars, girls (no particular order), and politics.

Daddy Jankee may or may not be a household name. I've only known him for a few years and stumbled upon him after he's hit his all time high (I believe). Yes, lots of girls in this video. That's alright to me.  Very nice to work out to if  you just let yourself go.



... and just very recently I discovered the Turkish version! :-o Which is weird in itself as this young man - İsmail Yurtseven -  was born in Hamm,  Germany. I don't think he's spent very much time in Turkey, except for holidays.
That he is still very devoted to his roots does nor surprise me as the Turkish in Germany have their own cultural niche (their neighbourhood is called "Little Istanbul" in my home town). Germans and other cultures do not really blend that well yet. Germany is still far from being a melting pot or a mosaic like North America, even though improvement is to be noted.

Anyway - even more girls and even fewer cars (I find the video rather disappointing. I was getting ready for lots of fast cars, the smell of asphalt, danger, and cops. All I get is this little guy in a dirty jersey, rain, a truck load of over the top hot women, and a car parked in the background) - but the tune is just mesmerizing to me. I've been listening to it a lot these two days while strengthening my thighs and keeping my focus.

Online Check-In is now Open?!

Holy urgency, here's what I've received yesterday in my inbox:

"Login to your Participant Centre to begin Online Check-in today. Everyone can begin their Online Check-in today by completing the video and waiver steps of the process. Don’t forget to complete the emergency contact step so that we can ensure that everyone is safe on The Ride. If you haven’t met your fundraising minimum yet, you can go back and complete the process once you have."

Already?!  I am nowhere near my goal yet. Should I feel stressed?

Back on Track

I am really feeling the motivation this morning. Going to mix me another energy drink and do a first-in-20-years 60k ride today! Noone better try to stop me!



I won't do a lot of boxing, though. And I will stay away from plastic surgery like The Stallion should have as well. I mean he is starting to look a little too much like his mom. Yikes!!

Anyway, that's beside the point, important is "getting strong now!!" Yarrr!

The Down Side of Self-Control

"Self-control is a limited resource, one we cannot go on exercising indefinitely any more than we can run 100 miles without rest and replenishment. A group of research psychologists has been proposing and refining that concept for more than a decade, and in a newly published paper, two of them report it has disturbing moral implications..."
Read the full article here.

I for one can only confirm the research psychologists' findings.
Below is a quick overview of my past weekend.
Dang it, I loved every minute of it!

Putting the Fun into Fundraising Part 1 - The Grape Escape!

 I am very excited to announce the following:

"Join local Wine Expert, John Gerum, for an enjoyable evening in support of the BC Cancer Foundation! During this two hour tasting you will sample and learn about six (6) unique wines while John leads you on a virtual tour through different wine regions of the world. Wines will be carefully selected to match delicious light appetizers prepared by the culinary team at the Sandman Hotel. Your $50 inclusive ticket price is 100% tax deductible and a receipt will be provided for each ticket purchased. Only 18 tickets are available for this exclusive tasting so don’t delay in confirming yours! This will be a memorable evening all in support of a wonderful cause. Purchase your tickets online by visiting the West Coast Wine Education website at www.wcwed.com/courses_may.html

Event is sponsored by John Gerum of West Coast Wine Education.

All proceeds will be donated to The Guildford Riders, participants in The Ride to Conquer Cancer to benefit the BC Cancer Foundation."

        

It's Now or Never!

Here's the Foundation's email I've just recieved:

"Due to your overwhelming support, the Ride to Conquer Cancer® benefiting BC Cancer Foundation has reached rider capacity and registration will close Monday, April 19 at 5:00pm.

This is the last chance to get your friends and family registered to ride along with you on this epic journey. Share the news today!"
 
Uh oh, better make up your mind right now and register already! :D
 
 

 

Goodbye Tattoos and Teething Rings

This post has little to do with cancer, cycling, or the Ride.
I learned yesterday that one of my longstanding anonymous Blogger friends has called it quits. Just like that. Really didn't see it coming. I don't think anyone did.
Here's what she wrote:
"It is with a heavy heart and shaking hands that I type this. As much as I have enjoyed "meeting" so many of you and getting to know you, sharing my life and stories, I must end this blog. I'm trying to do it in the least painful way possible, and without a lot of drama. I will absolutely miss the camaraderie and commiserating, the laughter and tears of joy you all have brought to my life, but there are things right now that require more attention than this blog. I have to focus on my health and my family, and I hope that you all understand. [...]

Thank you for all of your wonderful comments and support, it has meant so much to me!"

Tats, you've been nothing but a wonderful Blogger; fun, witty, and extradonary. I thoroughly enjoy your style.
I hope everything will be ok and I hope you're not in some kind of trouble (you do have me worried).
It's funny how anonymous people of the Internet can grow on you. You will be sorely missed and I hope that one day you will miraculously appear again. Your comments and support has meant just as much to me.
Wishing you all the best! Big hug!

Critical Mass!

Whoohoo! I am very excited as I just learned about this: 

"Critical Mass is a bicycling event typically held on the last Friday of every month in over 300 cities around the world. While the ride was originally founded in 1992 in San Francisco with the idea of drawing attention to how unfriendly the city was to cyclists, the leaderless structure of Critical Mass makes it impossible to assign it any one specific goal. In fact, the purpose of Critical Mass is not formalized beyond the direct action of meeting at a set location and time and traveling as a group through city or town streets on bikes."
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_Mass

They have it in Vancouver, too! I wonder when the next event is. I guess I'll have to do some research on that. It certainly sounds like a lot of fun. Costumes are encouraged! Woow...  guess I get to wear the pirate leggings!

Image (c) by Mona Caron

My Way's the Highway

It was a gorgeous day today so I decided to definitely go riding even though I would not attend the official training ride (too early in the day and too much trouble putting my bike in the car to drive to the meeting place for not even getting a snack... But no complaining today!).
It's official: highways don't scare me anymore. They actually give you a great workout as there are hardly any red lights and you can go as fast as you like. Here's a bit of footage:



That was before my chain came off 3 times in a row. Once it got stuck so badly that I had to fiddle with it for at least 20 minutes. I wasn't sure if I could get it loose - it was a total doozy. This was also before my bottle with my DIY Gatorade got away (I was too busy fiddeling to notice) and rolled in the middle of the road. Yes, all that happened right there on the highway! YIKES!! I was lucky there was a break in traffic so I could run snatch the bottle up. For some weird reason it did not get hit by a car. I kept reminding myself that it's just a stupid bottle and that it's really not worth risking my live for it. And I really didn't. I swear. :-/

No, I am not scared and definitely ready to take on that Courier Career downtown I've been dreaming about for years (they make good money and get lots of exercise). 



By contrast, this was my serene Easter ride last weekend. The noise is actually a waterfall! Pretty, hm? Beautiful but not much of a challenge. Mixing it up is a good thing I'm sure.



Here's Rusty # 2's (I finally decided on a name after the 3 mishaps today! :D) first big outing to Canada Place. That was today as well.

Note the adventurous and very lucky bottle in the holder. That's the one!

Things that Make You go Hmmm...

I wrote it before and I am writing it again. Since this is my Blog and I am trying to keep it real, I think it's ok to share my opinion about the following with anybody who might be interested. 

First a little summary about the last training ride I attended a few weeks ago. It was wonderfully organized, there were a number of volunteers helping with the bike clinic, showing the riders the way, and cheering us on; there was a pit stop with fresh fruit, cereal bars, drinks, motivational signage, and supportive people all around.  They also printed out maps for the riders to take along so no one would get lost as one sometimes ends up all alone and confused.

Loved it and I started to understand what my $ 75.00 registration fee was for and how very justified it is, considering there are going to be a number of these rides and we all get a free T-Shirt, a high quality jersey (well, only the ones meeting the Foundation's goal get the jersey), a manual, and online- and telephone support (I am not sure the Ride Guides are being paid for their services, though. Some might. Others may not.)

Anyway, I felt looked after pretty well, even though I found myself all alone on the highway at one point. But I do digress now.

So I was looking quite forward to the training ride that is planned for tomorrow. Imagine my surprise when I read the following footnote in this email I received from the Foundation an hour ago:

"Please note: As this is a training ride, there will not be any signage posted on the route.  As well, all roads and trails are open to vehicles and other cyclists.  All riders are responsible for bringing their own copy of this map with them on the ride along with any food, water, and other gear required.  There will not be any food or drinks provided.  This ride will be a great opportunity for you to meet other participants and train in a group setting."

My question is: why would I roll out of bed at an ungodly hour on my day off to attend a training ride  - that I could easily do with my Guildford friends (or at least some of them) at a more convenient time -  if I don't even get a snack, someone to show me the way or at least a black and white Google maps printout?
Great opportunity to meet other participants? That didn't happen last time. Train in a group setting? Hello? Remember? Me? Alone? On the highway?
Hmmm...

I really don't mean to be a nag and party pooper. I am trying hard to stay upbeat, fresh and motivated - but these things don't exactly turn me on.
Is it me?
Maybe a long hard workout will help...?
I will definitely have a chat with my European twin tonight to see if she may want to go somewhere else a little later tomorrow.
I don't think I'll go to that. I just don't see the point.

Goodbye Mrs. Q

I just learned that my two young coworkers' mom has passed away on Tuesday morning peacefully and surrounded by her family.

You will not be forgotten, Mrs. Q!

About Rusty...

Some may remember my (t)rusty companion of 15+ years. The one I went through thick and thin with, the one I shared countless joyful hours with.
Well, that one left for the big farm up North on the weekend...



Oh, who am I kidding! I gave him away!! To a reckless young woman. I didn't realize just what I've done but it would soon dawn on me. I showed the young woman how to work the gears and how to use the brakes properly. She didn't pay much attention and was eager to get going already. She tried to get on from the right side. So explained to her how to get on a bike. She looked at me like I was crazy and chose to get on the way she originally intended with the use of her husband as support. I started to feel quite sick in the pit of my stomach. A friend started joking about release and waiver agreements. Oyvey. She went for a little spin which went surprisingly well - until she came downhill. Everybody watching screamed "Brakes! Braaakes!!" She smiled widely and looked a bit puzzled until she ran over her husband and kissed the pavement hello. Luckily she didn't hurt herself or anybody else. DH caught everything on tape and intended to post the video in Youtube. We also thought that we would send the footage to America's Funniest Home Videos and share the prize money we would win for sure.  But then he didn't really tape the crash as he had pushed the wrong button. Aw. Well I guess it's for the best.
Two days later the proud new bike owner was completely out of commission. She must have overdone it grossly as she was flat on her back with sore legs. Couldn't walk anymore. Had to stay in bed! :-o So the story goes. I swear I am not making this stuff up!

You take good care of Rusty, you reckless young woman! Take it easy - and wear a helmet for crying out loud!

God, I feel guilty on so many different levels...

Challenge # 4 - Teambuilding

The Easter holidaze is definitely over and the Guildford Riders are getting busy.
Everybody has been emailing back and forth which is really wonderful. 
Now it's just a matter of getting all team members together, which seems to present yet another challenge. 9 different people with 9 different jobs working varying days and times of the week living in different areas in the Lower Mainland. Some of them have never met in real life and most don't really know what this pink haired symbol of a person looks like in reality. And I am not sure how they look. So how are we going to pick each other out on the training ride on Saturday?  Will some of us have to take time off so we can meet? (I hope that won't be necessary.) Will I have to post a real photo of myself somewhere?

For heavens sake, will my more or less secret identity finally be uncovered?!  

(What will they think of the real me with my hybrid bike of mediocre speed, my fundraising troubles and sugar animosities...? I'd better do another 3 hour workout just now...)

Inspiring People: The Man who started it all

This Blog just wouldn't be complete without him. Every man, woman and child in Canada knows him and he is a national hero.

The one and only Terry Fox.

Just reading about him brings tears to my eyes. What an amazing person he was...

Definitely watch his documentary if you get the chance. It is simply awesome.

"Terrance Stanley "Terry" Fox, (July 28, 1958 – June 28, 1981) was a Canadian humanitarian, athlete, and cancer research activist. He was a distance runner and basketball player for his Port Coquitlam, British Columbia high school and Simon Fraser University. His right leg was amputated in 1977 after he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, though he continued to run using an artificial leg. He also played wheelchair basketball in Vancouver after losing his leg, winning three national championships.
In 1980, he attempted to run across Canada in the Marathon of Hope to raise cancer awareness. Fox hoped to raise one dollar for each of Canada's 24 million people. His effort began with little fanfare as he left St. John's, Newfoundland in April and ran the equivalent of a full marathon every day. Fox had become a national star by the time he reached Ontario; he made numerous appearances with the public, businessmen and politicians in his efforts to raise money for research. He was forced to end his run outside of Thunder Bay after 143 days and 5,280 kilometres when his cancer spread to his lungs. His hopes of overcoming the disease and completing his marathon ended when he died nine months later.
Fox was the youngest person ever named a Companion of the Order of Canada, the nation's highest civilian award. He won the 1980 Lou Marsh Award as the nation's top sportsman and was named Canada's Newsmaker of the Year in both 1980 and 1981. Today, millions of people in over 60 countries participate in the annual Terry Fox Run, first held in 1981 and now the world's largest one-day fundraiser for cancer research; over $500 million has been raised in his name. Considered a national hero, many buildings, roads and parks have been named in Fox's honour across the country."
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_Fox

DIY Gatorade

I'm a purist and not a sucker who would spend a lot of money on a chemical brew with questionable value to my health. But I still get pretty exhausted from my 3hr workouts. That's why I believe Liz Applegate when she writes in her Encyclopedia of Sports & Fitness Nutrition that " in workouts lasting an hour or more, you need carbohydrate replenishment as well as water. Sports drinks provide both."
She continues that "Sports drinks are scientific marvels, and few natural foods or beverages can match their formulations." Grml... I'm not sure I like this last sentence very much. I certainly won't just take Lizzie's (if I may) word for it. " If you want to try to make your own, however," However! I do like howevers and am all ears!
"mix

• 9 teaspoons of sugar" Sugar!? Yikes!! Can't I use Stevia?
• "1/8 teaspoon salt, and
• the juice of one lemon into
• 3 cups of water.

Aim for 5 to 12 ounces every 15 to 20 minutes for workouts lasting more than 60 minutes."

So I gave it a try. Lucky my MIL forgot her sugar at my house last time she visited.  I don't buy the stuff. That's why she brought her own.
The homemade sports drink tastes just like lemonade and actually really works! I was able to keep cracking jokes after my last 3hr monster workout and even went to get the mail and drag in the garbage bins after!  It certainly wasn't like that before. I would just sit in the corner, hate myself, the world and everybody in it for an hour or so.
If sugar does the trick, so be it. I shall drink salty sugar drinks with lots of water in order to make it to Seattle!
But after I will switch right back to my beloved Stevia.
Sugar remains pure white evil in my world.

Here's reason # 1, the other ones are common knowledge.  I will definitely buy fair trade should I run out before the Ride.

Getting Backup!

Whoohoo! The Guildford Riders have a new team member! And I recruited her!
She's an abbrasive and stubborn European like myself, still hasn't raised a penny, her bike looks nerdy, and I am sure our training rides will be a lot like this:

I couldn't be happier!

(I wonder if she'll  object to this post? I don't think so, it's just our way of jankin' each others' chains...)

Streeeeeeech...

Here's what the Cancer Foundation has to say on the subject: 

"STRETCHING REGULARLY BEFORE AND AFTER YOUR TRAINING RIDES AND WORKOUTS WILL HELP ATTAIN AND MAINTAIN FLEXIBILITY. THIS WILL HAVE TREMENDOUS PAYOFFS FOR YOU DURING THE RIDE - MUSCLE PAIN, STIFFNESS, INJURIES, AND FATIGUE WILL ALL BE LESSENED. [...] STRETCHES SHOULD BE INCORPORATED INTO YOUR WEEKLY TRAINING SCHEDULE NOW."

I've been a bit too busy to spend very much time stretching, just the bare essentials. But that will change now because I feel crunchy, stiff, and hurty. 

"NECK
1] Flexion/Rotation - Slowly tuck your chin into your chest and rotate your head toward one shoulder. You will feel a mild stretch in the neck muscles.
2] Flexion/Extension
A] Slowly tuck your chin into your chest until you feel a mild stretch in the muscles. You will feel a stretch along the back of your neck.
B] Keeping your mouth closed and leading with the chin, slowly tilt your head back. You will feel a mild stretch in the muscles along the front of your neck."

Ow, ow, ow, I don't know if the sound these make is healthy. My neck is a bit of a weak spot, I think. 

"ABDOMINALS
3] Extension - Lie on your stomach and prop up on your elbows until you feel a mild stretch along your stomach muscles."

Pah! Piece of cake. I do this every day. I'm taking it further and lift up my legs without propping up my elbows. Supermaaan!

"LEGS & HAMSTRINGS
4] Lunge Stretch - In a lunge position, keeping your forward knee behind the forward ankle, lower your pelvis to the ground. Keep your head up, shoulders level, and eyes looking forward. This is for your groin and hips.
5] Butterfly Stretch - Using your elbows, press your knees down toward the floor. This stretches your inner thighs and hips.
6] Gluteus Stretch - Lying on your back, hug your knee toward your chest to stretch the muscles in your bottom.
7] Spinal Twist - Cross one leg over the other extended leg, planting the foot on the floor. Twist your trunk toward the crossed leg.
8] Squatting - Keep both heels planted and lower your butt into a squatting position; hold the position.
9] Calf Stretch - Using a support in front of you, extend one foot three feet away from the support, with the heel firmly planted. Lean forward to stretch the calf of your extended leg, putting your weight over the bent leg.
10] Quadricep - Bend one knee, grabbing the ankle or foot. Gently pull your heel towards your butt, stretching the front of the thigh.
11] Straight-leg Raise - Lie with one leg resting on the floor and the other thigh flexed up toward the ceiling. Holding your thigh with your hands, slowly straighten your knee until you feel a mild stretch along the back of your thigh (hamstrings).
12] Seated Hamstring - Bending at the hips, lean forward reaching your hands toward your feet. This stretches the back of your thighs and lower back."

Ok, I am definitely not doing numbers 4 and 10 because they hurt my operated knee. I've tried them in the past and had a wobbly joint for days. No thanks! Number 8 only when no one's looking.
I am really good at number 12. Doing it every day as well.

"ARMS & SHOULDERS
13] Back Scratch Stretch - Reach behind your head and grasp the opposite elbows, gently pulling it back and towards the centre of your body. This stretches the triceps, the muscles on the back of your arms.
14] Shoulder/Chest Stretch - Interlock your fingers behind your back. Keeping your chest high and eyes looking forward, gently raise your arms.
15] Shoulder Blade Hug - Stand or sit with a normal curve in the low back, midback and neck. Grab your elbow with the opposite hand and pull it straight across your chest. This stretches the back of
the shoulder."

Doing all of those all the time, so check!