Conquered

I still remember my 8th grade Latin teacher, Mrs. Olsen. She was a fiery 4’10” redhead that danced around our classroom repeating Latin words. She expected our 13 year old brains to hold on to her antiquated phrases. Out of all of those hours I do remember one thing:

“Vici, vidi, veni.”

In other words:

“We came, we saw, we freaking conquered” (partially my interpretation).

There are a few rides that I fear, and today I conquered one of them. The Cherry Heights/7 Mile Road loop from Hood River to The Dalles, Oregon has caused me some grief in the past. It seems that every time I have undertaken this ride, some type of disaster impeded the way.

Highway 30 Near Rowena/May 2017

When my friend Jen said that she wanted to go for a long ride today, I optimistically suggested this 58 mile loop. The temperature was perfect (mid 60s) and the wind forecast indicated 10-15 mph gusts. Doable…although I’ll admit that I woke up with apprehension, praying that I would make it through. Somehow I forgot the last-time vow that I took to not do this again.

The elevation (+5707/-5616 ft) and gusts on this ride can be challenging. There are several wide open plunging descents and I have called for a car rescue with 50 mph knock you into traffic winds in the past.

The Dalles, Oregon

We left a little later than expected and the wind picked up as we cruised out of Hood River. As the wind gusted sideways during the first major descent into The Dalles, I began plotting an escape route. Views of the river showed windsurfers and whitecaps. Not necessarily a roadbiking compatible kind of day. Also, not the kind of day that my wind-obsessed kiteboarding husband would be waiting at home to rescue me out on the road.

No worries. We were 30 miles in and there was nowhere to go but up. We rounded a corner and hit a fork in the road. I forgot to look at a map, assuming that I have done this ride before and of course knew the way. We went right. I let Jen know that we could either go right or left and one way was the wrong way. A few miles into our right turn, Jen (who has never done this ride), told me that we were going west and that we needed to turn around. I figured we would get somewhere at some point and we turned around.

Beautiful Eastside Descent into The Dalles

After circling around The Dalles, we descended breezily into town. Jen needed some hydration and nutrition, and we decided to stop at a little market. Jen was concerned about not having a mask, but apparently there are no concerns about masks or pandemics in this town. We stocked up on licorice, water and Clif bars and went on our merry way.

As we climbed toward the Rowena Crest, the wind hit us from every direction after each turn. I braced myself and leaned into the crosswind. I channeled Mrs. Olsen and shifted into a lower gear. I thought about her persistence, energy and enthusiasm. She taught us a dying language that later helped me with my SAT’s and understanding of medical terminology. It’s funny that decades later, I can still remember those badass Greek goddesses from her class as well as the strong women who inspired me to believe that I could do anything that I aspired to do.

LESSONS LEARNED:

  1. Rapidly braking while going downhill with wind gusts can knock you off your bike. Best to put your head down and peddle through.
  2. I’m going to pick up a wind sport as an alternative to road biking on windy days.
  3. Teachers are amazing. You never know when those lessons are going to be remembered. Thank you Mrs. Olsen.

Pandemic Peddling

Mt. Adams and Hood River Valley Blossoms

I am fortunate to live in an area that offers beautiful spring road riding. Due to the pandemic, there are few cars on the road and the world seems incredibly still. Last week the fruit orchards were in full bloom in the Hood River Valley and the Eastside Loop was spectacular. My favorite time of year to be cycling.

This week, a change of scenery on the Petersburg Loop from The Dalles, Oregon. This ride started from a charming historic one-room schoolhouse and evolved into amazing sights, including; wild turkeys, a lone deer running along a ridge, picturesque creeks, and wide open spaces for farming, vineyards, and ranches.

The Dalles, Oregon with Mt. Hood Sitting Below the Clouds

Although I am finding joy on the roads, there has been a controversy in my household recently. Due to COVID-19 precautions, our local trails are closed to hikers, trail runners and mountain bikers. Access points for the river are also off limits, disallowing kiteboarders and windsurfers to practice their sports. We all cope with stress in different ways, and have historically found tremendous relief in our respective recreational opportunities. The roads and golf courses remain open, and this has created an odd dynamic in our divided mountain biking/road riding household ecosystem.

Local Bookstore Marketing

Regardless of the many uncertainties (or maybe because of them), I am still working toward my 2020 goal…2020 combined bike and run miles. I have accumulated 426.5 miles, only 1593.5 to go! Not too bad considering the baking and couch hiatus that I seem to have turned to in the last month. I discovered many rhubarb-inspired delicacies (side note…Google Lemon Rhubarb Olive Oil Cake & Rhubarb Sour Cream Coffee Cake recipes). I also realized that my couch is uncomfortable and it is probably time to get a new one. I digress. It is time to kick it into gear. Who knows what this tri season will bring, but I feel like a cloud is lifted each time I run out my door or snap into my peddles. There is no doubt, moving and being outside does the mind and the body good.

More Blossoms

LESSONS LEARNED:

  1. Be grateful for nature and the hope that spring brings.
  2. Go to the grocery store early in the day if you need flour.
  3. Get off the couch and go outside.
Happy Rider

Perspective

I woke up Monday morning gauging my day as an immediate success when I found toilet paper on Amazon. Granted, not a Corona-Style lifetime Costco truckload, but a week’s worth is estimated to arrive between April 1 and April 7. It’s was a great way to start the week.

In addition to the hygienic score, I went for an amazing run along the Old Columbia Highway early in the week. Deserted as it was on that sunny 60 degree day, I found wonder in the wildflowers. These little gems were covered in snow just a few days prior. The world is obviously confused at the moment.

Spring Flowers in the Columbia River Gorge

The pandemic outbreak of Coronavirus looming around every corner and personal interaction has left me trying to figure out what our new world will look like. This week I registered my kids for homeschooling. I have always been an admirer of parents who took on the awesome responsibility of homeschooling their littles, but I was the one who sighed and said “I just don’t have the personality for that. I could never do it.” The government shutting down our public schools never crossed my mind, so I am going with the flow and adapting my personality to suit the times.

Our community pool closed last week and we are no longer able to participate in early morning masters swimming. The river is measuring a brisk 42 degrees, so I am focusing on running and biking while thinking about my training and race schedule for this year. I already signed up for the Maple Valley 70.3 in September and was contemplating the full Cozumel Ironman in November, along with lots of supported rides and fun Olympic races. That was the plan and I am continuing to train as if there might be some races in the future.

My first outdoor bike ride of the season this week lended some open roads. Tourism in our normally busy little town has slowed down, although there seem to be holders-on who are taking advantage of their time off to recreate on the Columbia River Gorge’s trails and waterfront. My friend and I zoomed eerily along empty country roads. We marveled as the sun warmed our backs and the wildflowers peaked through the tall grass, but felt like the world was simultaneously suspended.

New etiquette certainly applies to training with others during this social distancing era. I am forever grateful for my logical and genuine training friends who keep me sane during this crazy time. I’m hopeful that we will still be able to get outside and see each other. As a slower and slightly traumatized rider from witnessing a few crashes last year I am usually 6 feet behind others, so I have that one covered.

*FYI. The social distancing recommendation does not cover snot rockets. These little gifts seem to travel at an incredible velocity and distance. Since the hospitals are unable to obtain enough personal protective equipment, I doubt the bike stores will be flush (or open). Maybe social distancing on road bikes should be side by side on empty roads or at least 10 feet?

Lots of Space for Social Distancing

Running with a few friends this week provided ample opportunity to gab while maintaining an appropriate distance from each other. It helped that we were running along the waterfront early in the day with no cars or crowds and could spread out.

The Columbia River

I have been trying to limit the amount of social media consumption during this crisis. I do enjoy tapping into triathlon-specific groups and reading tips and stories from other athletes. The COVID scare and repercussions for races and organized events is taking a toll on everyone.

Today the first-world worries about whether or not races will be cancelled came into perspective for me. I dropped off a few care packages for some residents at the local assisted living facility and care center. I have known these people for several years, and knew that I would be stopped at the door with “STOP. NO VISITORS” signs. When I rang the doorbells at both facilities, I looked inside and saw no movement in either place. The residents are quarantined to their rooms and unable to receive any visitors. No friends or family. Meals are being served on trays 3 times a day and medications are delivered, but that is the extent of human interaction. Eventually a staff member came to receive the packages with gloved hands and whisked them away into the silence.

As I made my way home, I saw people running in shorts and listening to music. Cars drove by with mountain bikes hanging from racks. Kites were up in the air as people were getting into the water for some spring kitesurfing. Life looked normal. It was such a stark contrast from the news and my experience 5 minutes prior. My brain could not take the disconnect as I tearfully pulled into my driveway.

One of the strangest things about this pandemic has been the wide spectrum of responses. I see pictures of spring breakers playing on the beach, cars lined up heading out of Portland for the weekend, and the Fox News commentators minimizing the problem and telling people to go get tables at empty restaurants or take advantage of cheap airline tickets. In the meantime, my friends in healthcare are terrified to be putting themselves in harms way each day without the necessary gear and equipment, countries are shutting down and their militaries enforcing in shelter mandates, and people are fighting over toilet paper.

A few minutes ago, I checked my email to find an update from the County Health Department. One COVID-19 case was identified in a Hood River County resident. We knew that it was coming, and believed that it was probably here. Unfortunately, the numbers are probably higher than we know because we have no way of testing everyone who should be tested. Even last Monday seems like a lifetime ago. In retrospect, a calm before the storm.

LESSONS LEARNED:

  1. Don’t waste time on thoughts, people or situations that don’t matter.
  2. Have immense gratitude every day when we can get outside, be with the people and pets we love, and make our own meals .
  3. Order a bidet.
Enjoying the Warm Weather Together at a Distance
Springtime & Mt. Hood

Kauai Inspiration

Waimea Canyon, Kauai

It’s easy to be inspired on this lush island. We are fortunate to be on the island of Kauai for the second week of Christmas break before the kids head back to school. Our vacay happened over New Years and I have naturally been thinking about 2020. I don’t usually make resolutions, but since I am turning 50 this year I decided to lay out a few goals for myself while I still can. Barring an accident, illness, old knees, or any other unforeseen potential show stopper, I am considering a goal to run 2020 miles in 2020.

Apparently running 2020 miles in 2020 is an unoriginal idea. A quick Google search yielded 606,000,000 results in .42 seconds. Who would have thought that many people would be interested in running the equivalent of 77 marathons in a year? There are pages that offer tracking, apps, competitions and suggestions to switch to kilometers (2020 kilometers=1255 miles). Since I live in Oregon, I think that kilometers might be cheating.

Anyway, so far so good. I have logged 10 miles in 2020. Only 2010 to go. However, by my calculations and Google’s advice I am already behind. I think that I will change this goal to 2020 miles combined bike and run. Seems more doable. I’ll keep you posted.

LESSONS LEARNED:

  1. Goals are malleable (at least until you say them out loud).
  2. Nobody to impress but myself. Gotta be real.
Lucky Lady. Love these people.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding in Hanalei Bay

#kauaiinspiration #2020in2020

Cycle Oregon

Portland to Oakridge

Cycle Oregon organized their Classic ride this year through the Central Oregon Cascades and Crater Lake. This operation is so amazing. They manage to transport and service a city of riders (1504 this year) from town to town for a week, including; food (3 hot meals with multiple snack stops daily), 1200 porta potties, baggage, hot showers on trucks, a massage team, an optional tent and porter service, an acupuncturist, SAG vehicles, mechanics, ambulance and police support and an army of volunteers. There are over 650 tents in the “Tent City” nightly and live music at many rest stops and on the stage every evening.

Riders arrived from 42 states and 7 countries this year, and buses transported cyclists from Portland to Oakridge for the beginning of the ride. I was lucky to sit next to an interesting professor from a local college. My seat buddy lives in Portland and doesn’t own a car. Since it was raining for the 2 1/2 hour drive, he educated me on the finer points of inclement weather bike attire. He also swims in open water all year round without a wetsuit and told me about the virtues of mild hypothermia. I politely nodded my head and listened while thinking “what a quirky little liberal arts professor. Why would someone ride a road bike in the rain? And who wants to be cold anyway?” I let him know that wool riding gear sounded interesting, but I preferred to ride when it was 60 and above with clear skies. And I don’t like being cold in the water.

I said goodbye and good luck to the professor, and then registered and found my friend Laura. After scheduling a few massages for the upcoming week, we organized ourselves, danced with some awesome people and planned for our first ride.

Tent City, Cycle Oregon

Day 1 Cycle “Optimistic & Naive” Oregon

Today’s Route: Oakridge to Rainbow 65.8 miles 3300′ Elevation Gain

Covered Bridge, Westfir

Note the raincoats. Despite the rain we managed to enjoy the sites today. We peddled out of Oakridge to the Aufderheide Scenic Byway. Such incredible scenery along the Middle Fork of the Willamette River. After summiting Box Canyon we rode along the McKenzie River and the Cougar Reservoir. We continued to climb for about another 4 miles when lunch and musicians magically appeared in the woods. We were soaking wet and sat on broken down cardboard boxes to eat while the temperature dropped down to 45 degrees. Just in time for our 26 mile descent. Nevertheless, people seemed to be in good spirits and there was a comradery growing.

Blue River Reservoir

The rain stopped briefly as we pulled in to Rainbow for the evening. We opted for the tent and porter service, so our bags were sitting outside of our set up tent. Ah, luxury. Hot showers and curried chicken awaited us. Lots of good food since riders would be burning 23,290-31,186 calories over the course of the week!

Rainbow Oregon Welcome

Our bliss was short-lived. While we waited in the dinner line, the rain became more serious. Puddles were forming all over the ground and we decided to hunker down for the night in our tent. Unsurprisingly, our tent and all of the belongings were damp and cold. The rain pelted monsoon-style all night.

LESSONS LEARNED:

  1. Make hotel reservations.
  2. Bribe a family member or friend to provide support.
  3. Invest in good cycling rain gear (where was that brilliant professor?).

Day 2 Cycle “Let’s Climb a Bit” Oregon

Today’s Route: Rainbow to Tumalo 65.6 Miles 4786′ Elevation Gain

We started our soggy day today with a nice 8 mile ride along highway 126 before turning off onto the Old McKenzie Highway. Time to climb up to the summit of the Cascades until we reached the Dee Wright Observatory. The black lava rocks looked like a moonscape. In fact, NASA conducted drills in 1964 with astronauts in this very place as they prepared to travel to the moon. Unfortunately, the clouds hid the spectacular view of the Three Sisters mountain range.

View from the Dee Wright Observatory

The drop down into Sisters was truly a drop with 15 miles of steep descent, dodging potholes and crazy dudes screaming “on your left” at breakneck speeds. Laura and I got separated on the climbing portion of this trek. She had been plotting for an escape route in Tumalo that night. Her friend, Kate, agreed to pick us up after her shift and take us back to Bend for laundry, hot showers, and tea. Considering the fact that everything in our bags was wet from the night before, this seemed like an excellent plan. We met back at camp, ate dinner, and spent the night in Bend regrouping.

LESSONS LEARNED:

  1. It is a good idea to have friends in dry places.

Day 3 Cycle “I’m Over This” Oregon

Today’s Route Tumalo to La Pine 56.2 Miles 3357′ Elevation Gain

Today was an optimistic day. We had clean, dry clothes, the weather forecast indicated that temperatures would rise into the 60’s, and no rain was predicted until 2 pm. Plenty of time to get to La Pine on this shorter mileage day and pull ourselves together before the next sprinkle.

Smokey the Bear in Bend, Oregon

From Tumalo we rode through Bend, feeling sorry for the morning commuters as they got stuck in a sea of cyclists on their way to work. The climb up Century Drive was part of the familiar Deschutes Dash route on the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway toward Mt. Bachelor. This 5%-ish 10 mile climb warmed me up quickly, so I let go of my fleece pants and jacket at the first gear drop.

At the summit, we stopped for lunch. The temperature dropped significantly and I changed my mind about my gear. Unfortunately, the truck went back to camp and I was in a predicament-no pants or warm top for the descent and the temperature was chilly. Oh well. No rain at least.

I pulled out of the lunch stop and started the drop back to Sunriver, about 15 miles of downhill. Within minutes I started shaking from the inside out. I saw a SAG (aka support and gear) wagon parked in a pull out about a mile into the downhill and pulled off. The driver put me in the van, gave me his coat, some licorice and 2 fleece blankets.

The sugar and warmth brought life back into me. I thanked the driver and hopped back on my bike. As I whizzed down the hill, the shaking came back. My handle bars were swaying back and forth with my tremors. And here we go. Just as I thought that it couldn’t get worse, the rain started. I had a notion that I might be in trouble. The thoughts were gone just as quickly as they came because the reality was that I needed to stay on the road and avoid the onslaught of “on your left” 50 mph dudes racing past me in the rain.

This was obviously not a great situation, but there was nowhere to go but down. Suddenly I heard pounding on my helmet and felt little rocks hitting my face. Are you f#%k?!g kidding me? Was it hailing?! I no longer trusted my own judgment and dismissed the experience as a paranoid delusion (later to find out, yes it was hailing).

About 15 miles later there was a rest stop. The rain had stopped and the temperature felt like it was rising. Laura was chatting amicably and waiting for me to finish the day. Within minutes of stopping the sky opened up again. I apologized to Laura and let her know that I was over it and needed to get back to camp. I jumped into a paceline of dudes. Not my usual way of riding. I found myself in a group of 8 with a 3 inch distance between our front and back tires at a 20 mph pace in the rain. Whatever.

Our campsite was set up when we returned. This was an interesting site. We were apparently in a cow pasture. Unbeknownst to me, the ground is incredibly uneven in a cow pasture.

I had the foresight to book a massage that evening. I was hoping that the massage tent would be heated because even after a hot shower and 4 coats, I couldn’t warm up. The massage therapist put me on her heated table and covered me with several blankets, but couldn’t remove the covers without sending me back into shivers. She politely suggested that I hit up the medical tent to rule out hypothermia and gave me a package of hand warmers before sending me out into the rainy night.

Maybe tomorrow would be a better day.

LESSONS LEARNED:

  1. Destination weather forecasts don’t include mountain summits.
  2. Don’t give up your gear.
  3. I used to be a fair weather rider. Until today.

Day 4 Cycle “Psycho” Oregon

Today’s Route La Pine to Diamond Lake 95.4 Miles 3698′ Elevation Gain

This was a problematic day beginning to end. I woke up at 2 a.m. with a terrible headache and nausea. I had also developed some sort of dumping syndrome in the last 24 hours. My poor tentmate woke up crying. Our tent was frozen (apparently the temperature dropped into the 20’s overnight) and she had slept in 2 pairs of wet socks. Nothing either of us owned was dry. While Laura took off for the medical tent to check the circulation in her feet, I tried to come up with a plan. I’m not sure that I was thinking very clearly and when Laura came back I told her that if I could eat I could ride. We decided to go for it.

After breakfast we headed back across the frozen cow pasture to pack. On the way to the tent, I picked up the towel that I had draped on the outside seat. Uh-oh. The towel was frozen into the form of the chair. I had to crunch it down to pack it.

An attempt to warm up the riding shoes. Hot coffee.

Wet socks. Wet shoes. Wet gloves. Wet clothes. Frozen brakes. It was 34 degrees out. My shoes barely fit on my icy feet and I made a mental note to get more comfortable shoes when I got home, thinking maybe I had outgrown them.

Laura and I peddled for about 2 miles and I gave in. My feet and hands were in so much pain that I could barely stand the pressure of peddling or braking. I had ice on my shoes and gloves and frost on my tights from the knees down. We stopped on the side of the road and waited to flag a SAG vehicle.

I don’t know how long it took for SAG to arrive. Eventually the van came cruising up the street with its chipper music. The driver hoisted our bikes to the roof and shuffled us through the doors. Ouch. I mean, there was some major pain in my hands and feet as they rewarmed. Laura, who is a nurse, told me that the pain was good because it meant that my nerves were still alive. I decided that I needed the temperature to be above 40 before I would ride again.

I’m not sure who actually reads my blog, but just in case Bob the volunteer SAG driver ever sees this I want to publicly apologize. While my extremities were thawing, Bob cheerfully told us that “the weather is supposed to warm up this afternoon.” I glared and told him in my saltiest tone “I don’t believe you.” I realized that I had the same relationship with Bob as my gynecologist on the second day of labor with my son. Super grateful for the assistance, but not in a socially graceful frame of mind.

The SAG van took us to the mile 24 rest area. Laura decided to get out and ride. My nausea was not abating and the temperature was still in the 30’s. I decided to wait until the next stop. At mile 38 the van stopped for lunch. Even though I couldn’t get much in, I decided to try the ride. The weather was warming and I wore all of my layers.

We moved on to the Cascade Lakes Highway and then the Willamette Highway for about 30 miles. Most of the roads on Cycle Oregon thus far had been forestry roads or less traveled areas. However, these were real highways complete with semis and motorhomes. I decided to call it a day around mile 65. The dumping syndrome and nausea persisted, I was still freezing, and my nerves couldn’t take another retired California RV driver flying past me across the rumble strip.

I waited for a van at the snack stop. Eventually a kind SAG driver came along and told me that he had a list of riders waiting for him about 20 miles back. Did I mind riding along before returning to camp? Little did he know that I probably would have gotten into any car and gone anywhere. I can’t really tell you what happened next because I fell asleep as soon as the van started rolling and didn’t wake up again until we got to Diamond Lake.

At least it wasn’t raining.

LESSONS LEARNED:

  1. Get away from RV’s, especially ones that say “Cruise America” (rented).
  2. Don’t ride in wet gear with freezing temperatures.
  3. Don’t trust the judgment of a hypothermic brain.

Day 5 Cycle “Who Cares About Crater Lake” Oregon

Today’s Route Optional Crater Lake Loop 58.4 Miles 6470′ Elevation Gain

Today’s route was optional. Granted, the crown jewel ride of this event, but optional. Laura and I both opted out. The sky was finally blue, the sun was shining, and the temperature was in the 70’s. I needed to do some serious laundry, get my brakes checked by a mechanic, and get into a better headspace.

Cycle Oregon Laundromat

We took a shuttle to the Diamond Lake Lodge and lunched at their restaurant. Afterwards we hung out, watched the ducks, and then cruised back for long showers and the wine tent. Entertainment and good cheer is not hard to come by with this crowd. In addition to a whiskey wagon and free flowing wine, 8 to 20 kegs of beer are consumed daily during Cycle Oregon.

Hanging out at Diamond Lake Lodge

In the afternoon, I walked my bike over to one of the mechanics. I told the mechanic that I was worried about my brakes because they didn’t seem to be working very well. He reassured me that my pads were fine and an appropriate distance from the rims. In a kind and grandfatherly way, he patted me on the back and said “nobody’s brakes work very well when they are wet or frozen.” Wise words.

I scheduled a massage that evening with a very cool therapist whose studio is connected to a bike shop in Portland. Apparently, people can get a massage while their bikes are being worked on. Aric the massage therapist is also an avid cyclist and he gave me some tips for riding. I told him that my main concern prior to this ride was my knee problems. He suggested that I ride with my heels down and stop putting so much pressure on my quads. He also referred me to one of their cycling classes and the owner of the shop, who is an Ironman triathlete and coach. Score.

The tent city was starting to come alive. Prior to this day we all politely exchanged a few words outside of the meals, but we were mostly in survival mode. Finally, finally. Things were looking up!

LESSONS LEARNED:

  1. Bike with heels down and pull up rather than push down.
  2. Warm weather makes people happier and more social.
  3. Expect (a lot) less brake efficiency in wet or frozen weather.
Mt. Thielsen above Diamond Lake

Day 6 Cycle “I’ve Got This” Oregon

Today’s Route Diamond Lake to Dorena Lake 91.2 Miles 3916′ Elevation Gain

Diamond Lake. A parting shot!

Fresh legs. Dry clothes and warm weather. What could be better? I was so excited about this ride today. After riding for 4 miles from Diamond Lake, we had 40 miles of gentle downhill slopes following the majestic Umpqua River. Of course, what goes down must go up (at least on this ride). Anyway, the 40 miles of downhill riding was soon forgotten as we began to climb for the next 13.

There was a snack stop around mile 63 at the top of the hill and volunteers warned riders about the upcoming steep (10-11%) grade 10 mile downhill ride with blind corners and potholes. I walked over to a group standing at the top waiting for SAG and heard talk about tires blowing out and treachery on the descent. I looked at a map and decided that I didn’t really need to ride down a hill that looked like a blueprint for Space Mountain.

Day 6 Map of Diamond Lake to Dorena Lake

As I waited with the group to SAG down the hill, another van pulled up with room for one more rider. The group encouraged me to go ahead and I let the driver know that I was just needing to get to the bottom of the hill. He nodded as he hoisted my bike up to the roof.

I jumped into the van. Well, this was a tired group. I started to think that their plans were not mine. It didn’t look like anyone in this group had an intention of riding again that day (or week?). We stopped once on the way down to pick up a rider who had blown both tires. The driver announced that we were heading back to camp. I reminded him that I was happy to give up my seat and had planned to ride back, but we were on a return mission. Such a bummer. I only made it 63 miles today and I looked longingly at the rails to trails shoreline along Dorena Lake as we made our way back to camp.

I signed up for an acupuncture session that evening with the resident Cycle Oregon acupuncturist. What a lovely lady. My hope was that she could do something about my persistent nausea and GI issues. As she was placing the needles in my abdomen and neck, we casually discussed kids, biking and triathlons. Suddenly she hit a spot on my foot that nearly sent me through her funky tent roof. When I asked her what happened she explained that this was my “liver 3 acupuncture point…the emotional seat.” I probably didn’t need a poke in the foot to tell me that my emotions were dysregulated and fragile this week. Holy cow!

LESSONS LEARNED:

  1. Probably best to not take rides from strangers. You lose control of your destination.
  2. Don’t believe alarmists. I could have ridden down that hill.
  3. I need to save up for a bike with disc brakes.
  4. The liver is involved in the smooth flow of energy, and I am challenged in this aspect.

Day 7 Cycle “Sign Me Up For Next Year?” Oregon

Today’s Route Dorena Lake to Oakridge 53.6 miles 5227′ Elevation Gain

Early Morning Dorena Lake

This day is probably the most difficult to put into words. It was literally and figuratively full of peaks and valleys. Lots of climbing packed into this ride (3 summits!) in the bucolic Umpqua National Forest on forestry roads followed by a 20 mile descent back into Oakridge.

Day 7 Dorena Lake to Oakridge

Although the climbing was intense, moods were cheerful and celebratory. Riders were cracking jokes and supporting each other as we all kept grinding out the miles. The scenery and perfect weather obviously helped!

Umpqua National Forest

After the second summit the road began to drop. The downside of forestry roads is that there are some sketchy areas due to roots, cracks and gravel. I studied the map and realized the slope, but I wasn’t about to get into another SAG vehicle. I decided to take the descent and finish this ride properly.

The road became narrow in several spots, but the cracks and gravel were generally well marked. I stopped around mile 45 to cool my rims and 2 riders followed my lead. I was relieved to see Laura go by a few minutes later. One of the riders had just been involved in an accident. Someone clipped his back tire and flew off the side of the road. The other rider was a self-proclaimed “chicken” on the downhill and was happy to stop for a chat.

We wished each other luck and moved on. The drop seemed vertical between miles 45 to 49, so I decided to stop one more time to make sure that I wasn’t burning up my brakes. My chicken friend stopped a few minutes later and we waited together for our rims to cool.

My new buddy and I took off again. We hit a patch of gravel just as we were picking up some speed and congratulated each other when we didn’t wipe out. Within 100 yards we heard tires grinding on the gravel, screaming, and helmets hitting the ground. We both stopped our bikes and turned around to see two riders down. I pulled out my cell phone and called 911 while we stopped the flow of bike traffic.

Within a few minutes there were a dozen riders stopped and trying to help. I began to panic in earnest when I couldn’t tell the 911 operator exactly where we were located. She asked me to go back to the fallen riders and provide as much information as possible while she got a GPS signal. My nausea came back in a wave when I returned to the first unconscious rider and described the situation. I had to tell myself that this was not the time to throw up as I talked her through the condition of the second rider.

I was on the phone for 10 minutes before an ambulance arrived. The support team quickly took over and warned us to go slowly on the hill since there was another accident ahead of us.

We were about 3 miles outside of Oakridge and I wasn’t sure that I wanted to get back on my bike. There truly was no other option. I was shaking again from the inside out, but this time it wasn’t from the cold. I got back on my bike and descended to the finish. Laura was smiling with a camera pointed toward me as I passed through the flags and balloons.

I have mixed feelings about this ride. I would love for my story to be light and humorous. The reality is that I am traumatized by the sounds and sights of people injured and in pain. I realize that this is a chance that we all take when we test our limits. I am not sure what the lessons are today.

I can say that I was so grateful to see my family and my dog in Oakridge that night. I can’t help but feel worry and sadness for the injured riders and their families. Surely those terrible phone calls could have been made to any of our loved ones.

At the end of the ride I checked my email and received an invitation for Cycle Oregon Classic 2020 early registration. I know that I will get back on my bike, but it might be a little soon to decide about signing up for this adventure again.

LESSONS LEARNED:

Today brought more questions than answers.

Ride From Seattle to Vancouver BC & Party (RSVP)

“Into every life some rain must fall.”

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
And Me.

A few years ago my tri-training buddy and I decided to start looking for supported rides while we were getting ready for an Ironman. We thought that the group rides might be a safer way to get our miles in. Also, the food was usually good, porta potties were in abundance, and we didn’t have to think too much about the routes.

I signed up early this year for the RSVP, an annual event sponsored by the Cascade Bicycle Club. This ride starts bright and early at the University of Washington. The first day is a 106 mile trek to Bellingham. The second day covers 80 miles and crosses over into Canada, ending at the incredible David Lam Park in Vancouver, BC.

This is how the first day went. We woke up at 3:30 a.m. (meaning 2 am waiting for the alarm to go off) for a 6 a.m. start. Around mile 12 we watched a cyclist get hit by a car. Thankfully, there was a doctor and a nurse riding nearby. The rider was conscious and an ambulance was on the site within about 15 minutes. It sounded like a broken shoulder. Prayers to him and his family. This was terrifying. After pulling it together from witnessing the accident, it started raining at about mile 50.

I admit that I had to think through this one. The weather app said 10% chance of rain. In Oregon this is usually a sunny day with blue skies. I was not prepared for rain in the least and chilled to the bone on this 59 degree August day. As I was riding along, I started trying to distract myself by thinking of quotes or songs that involved rain;

“Raindrops keep falling on my head.”

“I am the rain king.”

“Rain rain go away. Come back another day.”

“I wanna know…have you ever seen the rain?”

In between my mental gymnastics, I wondered if my brakes would work if I had to stop quickly. Would my thin wheels slide out from underneath me on the wet pavement? Maybe I would start mountain biking again if I made it safely to the end of this one. I was not amused. Water soaked my socks and spewed up from the rear wheel in uncomfortable back of my shorts places. Cars sprayed cyclists with wet road soot everytime they passed. As the water dripped down my back, I wondered why I keep doing these things.

At the end of day 1, my friend’s amazing uncle took us to dinner. He graciously provided support for us on the first leg of this trip by transporting baggage, making dinner reservations and cheering us on. Such a relief to get a hot shower and a huge dinner with some great wine.

Day 2 was a different ball game altogether. A good night sleeping, a ton of food, and warmer weather changed everything. I was feeling better but still having some nagging thoughts about why I keep putting myself through these paces. Yesterday was intense and my butt did not feel good about my bike seat.

I had some time today to contemplate the reasons why I do endurance sports. Maybe it is for that reason. Because I have time to contemplate. I don’t think that’s it. I have a story to tell. No, but that’s cool. Comradery, adventure, staying in shape? I came up with “because I can.” That’s actually true. I do this because I can. I don’t always know that I can. There are a lot of times when I’m scared, tired or uncertain and I make it. I didn’t know that I could do a triathlon or ride my bike 180 miles in two days 5 years ago, but now that I have started I never want to stop.

David Lam Park, Vancouver BC

LESSONS LEARNED:

  1. If the weather forecast says that there is a chance of rain then it might rain.
  2. I do this because I can and it helps me believe that I can do more.
  3. Cold weather happens in August.
  4. The Canadian border is easily crossed on a bike and Canada is a beautiful bike-friendly place.
Chuckanut Bay WA

RSVP Cyclists Waiting to Cross the Canadian Border

Psych on a Bike

Getting excited for the Cascade Bicycle Club RSVP ride in 2 weeks. We will be crossing into Canada from Seattle to Vancouver, British Columbia with 2500 enthusiastic cyclists. In preparation, I planned a crack-of-dawn ride this morning with my friend Jen.

Early into the ride we started talking about dating. Jen is single and a catch. I always enjoy hearing about her dating antics. When she asks, I hope to lend sound advice. This morning Jen shared a bit about someone in Portland who didn’t make the cut. This unfortunate fellow has an “anxious attachment style,” according to Jen. My buddy is obviously looking for someone with a “secure attachment style.”

As our very serious conversation about attachment styles and probable early childhood trauma occurred, I couldn’t help but wonder when dating got so complicated. In addition to navigating social media and Internet matches, dating in middle age seems to bring unique challenges. Along with decades of dating mishaps/baggage, children from other relationships, and erectile dysfunction, there is an attachment style that needs to line up.

It seemed simpler in the past. For example, in our 30’s we looked at potential partners as breeders and parents. Security, kindness, responsibility, loyalty, family medical history…all important considerations.

The 20’s. Not that complex. I think that it went something like “you smell good…alrighty then.” Ah, the lessons of life.

All of this insight before 8 am.

LESSONS LEARNED:

  1. Wisdom just flows on a bike when women start talking.
  2. Jackpot. I found secure attachment, a great parent, AND he smells good.
  3. Human compatibility is a complex matrix.
Early Morning Mt. Adams

Completing the Travel Loop

We just landed in New York City. I think that I have successfully worn out my teen. When we got to the airport this afternoon he asked if we could go to the hotel so that he could go to bed. Our very long shuttle ride into Manhattan ended with the two of us jumping out to catch the subway (way faster than sitting in traffic) and Google mapping the last 10 minutes of our journey. I feel like we are at the tail end of a race.

After checking in to the hotel, I discovered that they have a rooftop pool. Wow, wow, wow. I couldn’t be more excited to swim above Central Park. I pulled out our swimming costumes straightaway, even though he opted for staying in and Instagramming.

We wrapped up our touristing last night in England with a ride around the London Eye. The weather was perfect and the views incredible.

Due to my unfortunate scooter blow to the Achilles, I took a few days off from running. I gave it a go around Kensington Palace whilst in London and am pleased to report that I can run a slow pace with a good excuse for stopping, walking, and taking pictures.

Tonight we are staying a block away from Central Park and I am hoping to get one more run in tomorrow before heading back to Oregon.

Manhattan Rooftop Pool View

LESSONS LEARNED:

  1. I am a pool nerd.
  2. I like pools before kids get in them.
  3. Triathletes are trained for endurance and I think that this helped me keep up on this marathon trip.
  4. British phrases are adorable.
Kensington Palace
London Eye
View of Buckingham Palace from the London Eye

The Best Laid Plans…

We made it to Paris! Such a beautiful city. We decided to let go of the plans to see the Palace of Versailles today and venture out to the Pere Lachaise Cemetery to visit the Tombes des Jim Morrison and Frederic Chopin. After a chocolatey breakfast and the cemetary, I couldn’t wait to run next to the River Seine.

My son opted for riding on Lime, which made me a bit nervous. I feel like riding a scooter in a city is about the equivalent of riding a road bike on a highway. Trying to be a good sport, and because he downloaded the app and put my credit card number into the billing section as he pointed out many others cruising on scooters, we took off through the streets of Paris. Surprisingly, there are huge bike lanes throughout the city that are separated from cars and pedestrians. It felt fantastic to scoot through the historic streets.

Unfortunately for me, we came upon an intersection that necessitated a lift up a curb. As I lifted the front of the Lime, the blade of the platform swung around and smacked me straight on the bullseye of my Achilles. Wow. Ouch. I guessed that we would be riding more Limes and Ubers today rather than running along the river.

We ended up having an amazing afternoon lunching directly across from the Cathedral Notre Dame marveling at its state of repair. The Limes transported us further down the river to the Pont des Arts to see the “love locks” on the bridge and then to the Champs Elysees to gawk at the Arc de Triomphe. All in all a pretty successful way to get around this magical city.

We are Liming off to dinner and then Ubering to the Eiffel Tower. Can’t wait!

LESSONS LEARNED:

  1. I love bike lanes and cities that provide them.
  2. Don’t lift a heavy scooter over a curb without getting out of the way of the swinging platform.
  3. We use our Achilles a lot throughout the day.

Cathedral Notre Dame

Arc de Triomphe

Traveling with a Triathlete

My 15 year old son asked me to take him out of the country. As a neurotic mother who calculates the amount of time that my kids have at home with me before they embark into the world, I jumped at the opportunity to take him abroad. He is quite an adventurer…up for “anywhere out of the country” to learn about other cultures.

We opted for New York (a way different culture), London (family history), and Paris (new to me) in a week and a half. We are a few days into our whirlwind tour and I am very excited to share a few pictures and notes.

The beginning of our trip started in New York. Two nights in the Big Apple to cram in as much as possible. The Statue of Liberty and hard hat Ellis Island tours were great, and the 9/11 Memorial moving. I haven’t been to New York in over 25 years and I found myself getting a little choked up at St. Patrick’s Cathedral remembering a dear person who passed away last year.

Of course I packed my running shoes, goggles, and swim suits. I happened to bring some extras for my son just in case he wanted to join me on some memorable runs and swims. I timed our touring to make sure that we could get a little running in Central Park before setting off for Blue Man Group. Couldn’t wait to run in all 3 of these cities!

Today we were in London and slept half of the day away. We managed to get in a tour of the London Tower complete with Crown Jewel viewing, the White Tower, and the Bloody Tower (gruesome as you can imagine). After walking across the London Bridge and taking a double decker back, we set off for a swim.

Oh my gosh…wait for it…we swam at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park London Aquatic Center. I totally geeked out. The center was built for the 2012 Olympics. We swam in the same water as Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte. Sure, they have probably changed it since then but it was like being in holy water to me.

Off to Windsor Castle and Stonehenge tomorrow. I am sure that we will find some time to run in Hyde Park!

London Aquatic Center

LESSONS LEARNED:

  1. Always pack your gear…just in case.
  2. Pack extra for your loved ones…just in case.
  3. It feels great to move in these familiar ways after traveling on planes, subways and Ubers.
  4. I am so very grateful to have an adventurous son who wants to spend time with me still.
Central Park