Sunday, January 29, 2012
Best endurance ride to date: 40 miles; 6000 elevation gain by stenogrl at Garmin Connect - Details
Best endurance ride to date: 40 miles; 6000 elevation gain by stenogrl at Garmin Connect - Details
Sunday ride: Thank you, Zpak and Dr. Spector. After being sick for a week, I started the antibiotic Friday.
This morning I met Doug at Westridge and Bayliss at 10:00. We headed up Sullivan Canyon, where I saw Tom and a buddy finishing their ride early. The ride up Sullivan Canyon was nice and easier than every before for me. How nice it is to say that! We went on to the hub, Parker Mesa. When I saw Doug turning to parker mesa, I commented, we are here already? However it was hot and I was tiring faster than I wanted. I knew I needed to ride for 5.5 hours and about 3:40 or so my legs were tired and I was thirsty! We both ran out of water. I thought this ride is over....until Doug told me we can water at the bottom of Reseda Fire road, so we did. Nice cold fresh water!! Just what I needed. We cam down this very fun, cool little single track, but had to go back up via this steep fire road!
I was not sure I could make that climb, but I did. And after some fresh water, I got a second wind. We went down Sullivan fire road, turned and came back up. Some extra Mulholand road too. Then I sprinted back as fast as I could. Then flying down sullivan canyon -so much fun!
We got to the bottom near the cars and I need some more time and feet - so we went left up Queens Ferry and up the wall and headed back up the dirt!
This was climbing the wall after riding 37 miles. Can I say how happy I am? Funny how things can change in a long ride, just when you think you are spent, you have a lot more time left in you! So don't quit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am tired and have to work tomorrow - so need to sign off.
This was my best ride so far! and nine more weekends until CC -
Good night and God bless,
Cheryl
Sunday ride: Thank you, Zpak and Dr. Spector. After being sick for a week, I started the antibiotic Friday.
This morning I met Doug at Westridge and Bayliss at 10:00. We headed up Sullivan Canyon, where I saw Tom and a buddy finishing their ride early. The ride up Sullivan Canyon was nice and easier than every before for me. How nice it is to say that! We went on to the hub, Parker Mesa. When I saw Doug turning to parker mesa, I commented, we are here already? However it was hot and I was tiring faster than I wanted. I knew I needed to ride for 5.5 hours and about 3:40 or so my legs were tired and I was thirsty! We both ran out of water. I thought this ride is over....until Doug told me we can water at the bottom of Reseda Fire road, so we did. Nice cold fresh water!! Just what I needed. We cam down this very fun, cool little single track, but had to go back up via this steep fire road!
I was not sure I could make that climb, but I did. And after some fresh water, I got a second wind. We went down Sullivan fire road, turned and came back up. Some extra Mulholand road too. Then I sprinted back as fast as I could. Then flying down sullivan canyon -so much fun!
We got to the bottom near the cars and I need some more time and feet - so we went left up Queens Ferry and up the wall and headed back up the dirt!
This was climbing the wall after riding 37 miles. Can I say how happy I am? Funny how things can change in a long ride, just when you think you are spent, you have a lot more time left in you! So don't quit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am tired and have to work tomorrow - so need to sign off.
This was my best ride so far! and nine more weekends until CC -
Good night and God bless,
Cheryl
Test ride - Post week with flu - by stenogrl at Garmin Connect - Details
Test ride - Post week with flu - by stenogrl at Garmin Connect - Details
saturday ride was post flu ride and home early to attend Juan's service. It was beautiful. We will all miss you, Juan, and never forget you!
Love
Cheryl
saturday ride was post flu ride and home early to attend Juan's service. It was beautiful. We will all miss you, Juan, and never forget you!
Love
Cheryl
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
45 Minute Stationary bike ride - Nursing the cold
Today I saw Dr. Spector and he was pretty thrilled to see me. He was certainly happy to see that I had lost 10lbs since mid November when he saw me last. He commented that I am bionic woman! lol - He said the best medicine for me is get on my bike! I have a virus. What a gift. I never thought I would see the day that I would leave the doctor's office without any prescription or an order to "take it easy"! This is the same doctor who told me that the cancer had returned in March of 2009.
He asked if I still have ovaries and a uterus? lol- I said, yes, and he suggested we schedule a complete physical in May after Counting Coup and Sea Otter. I laughed and commented that I have never had a physical. They never check me for normal things like HC, or regular girlie visits! They are too busy looking for cancer. He said, "You are getting close to normal" - Today my life is not focused on success of material "things" - but m life is focused on my character and my the kindness I try to give to others.
Grateful people are happy people, and those who aren't, aren't!
Going on a ride test ride tomorrow and see how I feel.
He asked if I still have ovaries and a uterus? lol- I said, yes, and he suggested we schedule a complete physical in May after Counting Coup and Sea Otter. I laughed and commented that I have never had a physical. They never check me for normal things like HC, or regular girlie visits! They are too busy looking for cancer. He said, "You are getting close to normal" - Today my life is not focused on success of material "things" - but m life is focused on my character and my the kindness I try to give to others.
Grateful people are happy people, and those who aren't, aren't!
Going on a ride test ride tomorrow and see how I feel.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Saying bye to Juan
Just about an hour or so ago, I found out that my dear friend, Maria, lost her brother and my friend, Juan, at age 51. Last Saturday he suffered a heart attack while driving in West LA and hit a tree and died. He was a fine example of a contagious smile and always had a kind word and a kind ear. I will miss him dearly.
I spent the entire day in bed with the flu. Watching the State of the Union. So, this is not my normal ride-for-life post about a bike ride. Though, it may seem sad, I needed to write about what I have learned from the death of friends and family. How soon I forget that every moment is precious. So easily said, I know, but as simple as, " be kind to each other" --- I saw Juan a week ago Tuesday in a meeting, and from across the room, he smiled and I smiled back, and we gave each other the peace sign! That is my last memory of Juan, and one I will never forget and will treasure. His sister, Maria, has saved my life over and over, and she has given me love, support, prayers and most importantly, Maria has shown me the tools for living. Living my life, not really a day at a time, but often minutes at a time, and counting each breath in order to relax and find my personal gratitude deep in my soul.
Learning of Juan's death today has made me sad and yet grateful. I hope and pray if you are reading this post, that whoever you are, you take a minute and think of all you have in your life and, as Maria would say, "God is great. God is always teaching me that it's not about me".
So I want you all to know that I am more grateful than ever to be training with Louise Kobin for my ride for life at the Counting Coup on April 7th. Juan was always making jokes about my bloody knees or bruises and he was really happy to see me training for this event! We just don't know when something sudden may happen. Thank you to all my heroes! You know who you are! Russell Moon, who is paralyzed from a biking accident and fighting for his life. I saw a video today of his leg moving today! Miracles do happen. I hope to remind myself every day that "WORRY" is a waste of precious time. I will try to not take life so seriously, and to remember that it is not about me. It's really about being the best you can be as a human, whether a mother, sister, brother, friend, boss, or biking partner!
My thoughts are just swarming with memories of Juan and his smile, it's really difficult. I know he would want to be sure that we all RIDE ON and keep taking that next right step. What a mystery, life and death, to me anyway.
Juan, I am going to make you proud on April 7th! Wish you didn't have to leave us so soon.
Believe, please believe in yourself and be kind to others. Remember that your smile and attitude can make a difference at any time of your day, and your gratitude and kindness just may change someone eles's day for the better.
Most people, I hope, reading this know my story and of my fight with cancer twice. I climb my mountain of hope on my bike and feel the power of life in my legs and the fresh air on my face and I think of how much I love my daughter and her babies, my sisters and brothers. All the years of battling for my life with disease, most of my life this was my story, but I have been blessed to come out on the other side of those wars with each disease, every surgery, bone marrow transplant or chemo session, I have grown to be a stronger woman.
Keep the rubber side down!
Cheryl
I spent the entire day in bed with the flu. Watching the State of the Union. So, this is not my normal ride-for-life post about a bike ride. Though, it may seem sad, I needed to write about what I have learned from the death of friends and family. How soon I forget that every moment is precious. So easily said, I know, but as simple as, " be kind to each other" --- I saw Juan a week ago Tuesday in a meeting, and from across the room, he smiled and I smiled back, and we gave each other the peace sign! That is my last memory of Juan, and one I will never forget and will treasure. His sister, Maria, has saved my life over and over, and she has given me love, support, prayers and most importantly, Maria has shown me the tools for living. Living my life, not really a day at a time, but often minutes at a time, and counting each breath in order to relax and find my personal gratitude deep in my soul.
Learning of Juan's death today has made me sad and yet grateful. I hope and pray if you are reading this post, that whoever you are, you take a minute and think of all you have in your life and, as Maria would say, "God is great. God is always teaching me that it's not about me".
So I want you all to know that I am more grateful than ever to be training with Louise Kobin for my ride for life at the Counting Coup on April 7th. Juan was always making jokes about my bloody knees or bruises and he was really happy to see me training for this event! We just don't know when something sudden may happen. Thank you to all my heroes! You know who you are! Russell Moon, who is paralyzed from a biking accident and fighting for his life. I saw a video today of his leg moving today! Miracles do happen. I hope to remind myself every day that "WORRY" is a waste of precious time. I will try to not take life so seriously, and to remember that it is not about me. It's really about being the best you can be as a human, whether a mother, sister, brother, friend, boss, or biking partner!
My thoughts are just swarming with memories of Juan and his smile, it's really difficult. I know he would want to be sure that we all RIDE ON and keep taking that next right step. What a mystery, life and death, to me anyway.
Juan, I am going to make you proud on April 7th! Wish you didn't have to leave us so soon.
Believe, please believe in yourself and be kind to others. Remember that your smile and attitude can make a difference at any time of your day, and your gratitude and kindness just may change someone eles's day for the better.
Most people, I hope, reading this know my story and of my fight with cancer twice. I climb my mountain of hope on my bike and feel the power of life in my legs and the fresh air on my face and I think of how much I love my daughter and her babies, my sisters and brothers. All the years of battling for my life with disease, most of my life this was my story, but I have been blessed to come out on the other side of those wars with each disease, every surgery, bone marrow transplant or chemo session, I have grown to be a stronger woman.
Keep the rubber side down!
Cheryl
Sunday, January 22, 2012
3 hours 3300 feet - WR; Hub - Sully Canyon by stenogrl at Garmin Connect - Details
3 hours 3300 feet - WR; Hub - Sully Canyon by stenogrl at Garmin Connect - Details
I drove home from Oxnard this morning, dropped the dog off, grabbed a few eggs and my bike and headed up to Westridge. Life is in session, as we say, and I try to never forget how blessed I am and that all the seemingly bad things in my life, are quality problems, period!
We hit the trail and my shifting was not working and slipping - Chain was getting sucked in! This stopping and taking off wheel and adjusting and adjusting took us at least 30 minutes. But after a bit, my riding partner had it dialed in (well, it got me through today's ride) ;-) Nice having a bike mechanic for a riding partner - very handy, indeed. I thought he was going to pull out a tool box in his back pack - but he had the screwdriver! ;-)
It can be frustrating when you are tying to climb and your chain is slipping, so after I got over that, I felt better mentally, and it seems if my head is off, my legs are off - funny how that works in all walks of life?
We headed to the hub, Eagle Rock, down Sullivan Canyon and back up the wall to my car! All in all I felt great. I was able to stand up and really power on the pedals far farther than every before. The training is paying off - I may still be slower than a lot of people, but I am so much faster and stronger than I was a few months ago! Actually, I was never able to pedal uphill standing for much more than ten feet - I cannot believe how long I was able to pedal uphill standing today. Thanks, Lou and Doug!
After the ride, I am now feeling I may have caught a bug and feeling a cold -- right to the Zicam! I swear by that stuff and will let you know tomorrow? - Now I need a meeting and I cannot get out of bed.
I must admit, though I see so much improvement, I worry about Counting Coup. I have never tried an endurance race before. This is really my first "real" race, period.
Thank you so much to all of you who continue to support me in my dream!
Cheryl
I drove home from Oxnard this morning, dropped the dog off, grabbed a few eggs and my bike and headed up to Westridge. Life is in session, as we say, and I try to never forget how blessed I am and that all the seemingly bad things in my life, are quality problems, period!
We hit the trail and my shifting was not working and slipping - Chain was getting sucked in! This stopping and taking off wheel and adjusting and adjusting took us at least 30 minutes. But after a bit, my riding partner had it dialed in (well, it got me through today's ride) ;-) Nice having a bike mechanic for a riding partner - very handy, indeed. I thought he was going to pull out a tool box in his back pack - but he had the screwdriver! ;-)
It can be frustrating when you are tying to climb and your chain is slipping, so after I got over that, I felt better mentally, and it seems if my head is off, my legs are off - funny how that works in all walks of life?
We headed to the hub, Eagle Rock, down Sullivan Canyon and back up the wall to my car! All in all I felt great. I was able to stand up and really power on the pedals far farther than every before. The training is paying off - I may still be slower than a lot of people, but I am so much faster and stronger than I was a few months ago! Actually, I was never able to pedal uphill standing for much more than ten feet - I cannot believe how long I was able to pedal uphill standing today. Thanks, Lou and Doug!
After the ride, I am now feeling I may have caught a bug and feeling a cold -- right to the Zicam! I swear by that stuff and will let you know tomorrow? - Now I need a meeting and I cannot get out of bed.
I must admit, though I see so much improvement, I worry about Counting Coup. I have never tried an endurance race before. This is really my first "real" race, period.
Thank you so much to all of you who continue to support me in my dream!
Cheryl
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Road ride on my mountain bike? yep! 32 miles
Well, we thought we would stay out of the mud today and try the bike path to Ojai - then the trail was closed and we took the coastal route. It was so windy it was like climbing a wall! Then the wind got scary and I was blowing over and worried about being blown into the highway. As the wind grabbed me, I slowed down and Doug was behind me and the wind blew him right into me. POW - we both went down.
Nobody hurt. Phew scrapes and bruises. Overall, it was the first time I done in long ride spinning, so I think my coach was happy to see me get in a good long easier ride, without so much climbing! But I think I can fit that in tomorrow.
My morning started off with having the fun opportunity to take River (granddaughter) to playtime at the Y and swimming kids class. Borrowed swim suite from the other grandma! ;-) Thank you, Sandra!
So for my 32 mile bike ride, my head was singing "Old MacDonald had a farm....and the Itsy Bitsy spider - been awhile since I sang nursery songs. But we had fun. Never got a chance to eat today, except a fee gu packets and cliff blocks -
I am getting nervous already about Counting Coup and it's not until April 7th! Sure hope I can do it!
See you tomorrow!
Nobody hurt. Phew scrapes and bruises. Overall, it was the first time I done in long ride spinning, so I think my coach was happy to see me get in a good long easier ride, without so much climbing! But I think I can fit that in tomorrow.
My morning started off with having the fun opportunity to take River (granddaughter) to playtime at the Y and swimming kids class. Borrowed swim suite from the other grandma! ;-) Thank you, Sandra!
So for my 32 mile bike ride, my head was singing "Old MacDonald had a farm....and the Itsy Bitsy spider - been awhile since I sang nursery songs. But we had fun. Never got a chance to eat today, except a fee gu packets and cliff blocks -
I am getting nervous already about Counting Coup and it's not until April 7th! Sure hope I can do it!
See you tomorrow!
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