Bicycle Diaries II - Sunny Century

Not April Fool, just the spirit of Easter Bunny!

Beautiful Saturday in Ventura! For the second year in a row, I participated in the Paul Hulse/Positive Pedalers Century which started from Valencia and traveled north to Ventura. Yes, with less than 5 hours of sleep, I drove more than 80 miles for this century ride, but it was well worth-it. Paul Hulse was one of the creators of the original California AIDS Ride (CAR), which changed its name to AIDS/LifeCycle (ALC) 6 years ago. He passes away few years ago.

This ride was organized by Positive Pedalers, Team Ventura and the Chain Gang. Compared with last year’s heavy rain morning, this year’s 80+’F weather was perfect. I attempted for my first century ride last year at this ride, but only did 50 miles because the organizer canceled the century option due to weather and road conditions. This year, with all the training I’ve been doing and experience gained over the year, I was so looking forward to complete my Ventura-Century-Mission.

More than 170 riders showed up for this ride, with 120+ registered for the century option, including my cycling buddy Suzann. I saw some old faces and many more new faces. Evelyn, Pat and Michael were among riders that I know from ALC 5. Some of my Tour de San Gabriel regular riders were there too, including Chuck, Debra, Susan, Robin and Kristen who were attempting for their first century ride. I was as excited as they were.

From Valencia we traveled north to Piru for our first stop. Kathie, Virginia, Ron and Michael from Different Spokes hosted the pit stop. It was so nice to see them at the Piru RR Station Park. We then continued our journey to Fillmore and then Ventura. Traveling on highway 126 allowed us to ‘fly’ with the traffic, but also kind of dangerous especially when huge trucks passed by, felt like we were being ‘blow away.’

Our lunch stop at mile 51 was set up at Marina Park in Ventura by Positive Pedalers. Every rider was greeted by our fabulous Ginger who dressed in pink. Her dress was made from bubble wrapper, how creative! The fog came in while we were enjoying delicious subway sandwiches at the park.

We headed back to Valencia almost the same way we came from. Biking through some citrus and vegetable farms was another eye-opening experience. Suzann and I finished shortly after 4 p.m., it took us 6 hours and 15 minutes for this 102.5 miles ride. Suzann had to leave right the way because she had a party waiting for her. I relaxed at the parking lot with some other riders, waiting and cheering for riders who came to the finish line. Inspiring TRL Tony Z and Rebecca J rode in with Susan and Kristen shortly after 6 pm. This year’s ride was a total success!

I’m so proud for all the newbies who completed their first century ride. Congratulation to Chuck, Debra, Susan, Robin and Kristen. Later on we went to Black Angus for our “Victory Dinner.” I got home shortly after 8 pm.

I didn’t ride on Sunday. However, I did a 16-mile ride around the Rose Bowl and did the double-hills on Friday by myself. I also attend 3 spinning classes on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Total mileage for the week: 118.5 miles. Way to go! (I’m 35 miles away from my 4000 miles mark! I’ve ridden 801.8 miles since January 1st.)

Next Saturday (4/7), Brian and I will be leading a 70-mile ride from Azusa to Seal Beach along the San Gabriel River bike path. No traffic and no stop sign, should be a fun ride, just hope the weather will be nice, all tailwind! If you would like to join us, email me for more information.






Great turn out and a total success!












At the starting point, Suzann, Evelyn, Pat and Michael











Come get some food and water and rest...













Suzann and I at the first stop. Easter will be our "anniversary"... no we're not dating, our riding-buddy anniversary














First stop at Piru RR Staion Park. Kathie, Virginia, Michael, Ron and... friend of DS















Yes, she's riding in this unique small-wheels bike and she rocks!















Finally got to the lunch stop at Marina Park












Ginger welcoming riders to the half way lunch stop in her pink dress made of bubble wrapper. (Chuck is in the blue jersey)















Delicious lunch waiting for hungry riders











You're not supposed to eat junk food... but after riding 50 miles, you can eat anything you want












Which one is yours? Can I sail with you?













Beautiful scene at the Marina Park in Ventura














Still looking good after first 50 miles











Dragon resting by the marina











No, those 2 are not ALC bikes. We're lucky to have full support team that carries our luggage















Go Debra!

















Robin smiling for her 1st century ride


















The last contigent rode in to the finishing line














Woohoo... you made it, congratulation! Susan, Tony, Kristen, Rebecca

Victory Dinner @ Black Angus. Susan, Robin, me, Debra and Kristen

The official Sweep Vehicle

Happy Easter! No bunny, No candies!

Bicycle Diaries II - Oh Deer!

Oh “Deer,” Tour de San Gabriel Valley is HOT!

After a week of absent, I’m back on the road. 23 riders showed up for the Saturday’s Tour de San Gabriel Valley ride. Two weeks ago, there were 16 of us, now the group is growing bigger. There were some old faces, and more new faces in the group. Some have been training for months to get ready for ALC 6, some were having their first group ride.

The ride started with basic stretching lead by co-ride leader Pedro. It’s very important to stretch before, during and after the ride, especially for us whom will be riding 7 days, long distance. Injury is not an option for all. After the safety speech by co-ride leader Corry, we were off for the challenge.

As a ride leader, part of the responsibilities is to make sure everyone gets back safely. At our second stop in Sierra Madre, I waited for 2 riders whom were once “missing” from the group while everyone else left for the Rose Bowl and started their hill challenge. After 30 minutes, there were no sign of them showing up, so I decided to take off and call them once I get back to the car.

The funny part was, I ran into them at the parking lot! They took a wrong turn and end up riding back on a different route. I was glad that they made it back safely. At the same time, I realized it is really not an easy job to be a ride leader because I have to put everyone else in front of me. I end up doing the Lida and Chevy Chase double-hill by myself, which was okay, just like the way I trained last season.

What goes around comes around, on Saturday evening I went to rider/TRL Tommy’s fundraising party and I won a raffle prize – a $10 Starbucks gift certificate!! As Tommy said, I always won something. The last time I won a prize was during the ALC kick-off party in January.

Sunday morning I joined Virginia, Kathie, Brian and some 40 other riders on a ride that starts from Griffith Park. We went up Chevy Chase again, except this was a longer version. While we were almost getting to the top, I saw a deer in the woods! In fact this was my second time seeing a deer in the area. I stopped for a picture while catching my breath. The deer looked at me from a distance and luckily there were no ‘deer attack.’

We stopped at Montrose for water and food. There was a farmer’s market Sunday, part of the road was closed and we had to use the side walk. The second part of the ride went up La Tuna Canyon, the reverse side, which as shorter and less hilly.

Total mileage for the week: 80 miles. Way to go!

Next Saturday I will be doing Paul Hulse century ride in the Valencia area. Hopefully weather will be nice. 9 more weekends till ALC 6 and I am still looking forward to your sponsorship!

Pedro leads the stretching session...













Great, everyone is following...














Yes, get down, uh...that feels good...














OK, one more then we're off to the challenge!












ALC rider showing her "road ID"...
















We're getting to the top in no time...













Chevy Chase? Ahh... piece of cake...














Oh Deer, look who's coming...














Deer meat anyone? Just kidding. Welcome to Montrose!












Beautiful flowers...









I'm the Mountain Queen! Debra showing off her skill on top of La Tuna















Daniel's first La Tuna climb, looking good...












Everyone looks great, powerful ALC riders!














Way to go riders!!














Brian leads the 57-mile group

Bicycle Diaries II - Ride or No Ride?

Wow, so you guys really are reading my updates! I’ve received several emails asking why there were no bicycle diaries this week. Well, it was St. Patrick’s Day weekend and I was in the Health Journalism 2007 conference. As a result, I was unable to do any ride. (Yes, I do miss my bike a lot!)

Now, I’m back on track. I will be leading my fourth ride this coming Saturday, with two options available, hills or no hills (47/36 miles). If you’re interested in riding with us, please come to the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center parking lots at 7.45 a.m. If you have any question, just drop me an email.

Fundraising is still going, if you’ve received some good tax return from Uncle Sam, I hope you would consider sponsoring me with any amount that you can. As part of the donor incentive program, if you donate $100 or more, you’ll get a beautiful “donor t-shirt.”

OR if you didn’t get a good tax return from Uncle Sam but wouldn’t want this to repeat next year, please consider sponsoring me with any amount that you can, because donation is 100% tax deductible. Please donate online at www.aidslifecycle.org/3107.

There are 10 weekends left till ALC 6!!

Bicycle Diaries II - Hills or No Hills

Eric and Kristen on top of Lida













Betsy watching Steve changing his flat tire








Third leading training ride in a row, we had 14 riders in the group with nice weather, what a deal!

The so-called “Tour de San Gabriel Valley” is getting more popular now, with riders from this area and some traveled from other part of town just to join us and experience the beauty of SGV.

On Saturday, I offered 2 options, 36 miles “regular” ride and 47 miles with 2 big hills. Hill or No Hill, it’s all up to the riders. Thanks to the help from fellow TRLs Brian, Eric and Pedro, everyone enjoyed the route despite some minor incidents.

Don’t be fooled by the word “regular,” because the route was not totally flat. There were rolling hills that most of us didn’t realize while we were driving. Only when you need to get over these small hills with your legs, then you know “ahh…”

The 2 big hills that added to the route were Lida (in the Linda Vista area near the Rose Bowl) and Chevy Chase. Both are famous hills for climbing practice. Some riders get up there without stopping, some had to make a few quick stops, but the most important thing was, we all made it. We all know there will be more hills ahead of us and we know we will get over them one by one.

Celebrating the beginning of daylight saving time, I took a day off on Sunday. I did clean Dragon though. At least that’s something bike-related activity.

On the other hand, I REALLY need your support in order to reach my fundraising goal. Please help me and tell your families, friends, neighbors… together we can make a difference!

Bicycle Diaries II - 2nd Training Ride + Flat Tire

So I had my 2nd leading training ride this past Saturday. We had 14 riders in the group and everyone finished the 40-mile Tour de San Gabriel Valley ride happily. Yea, I didn’t loose a single rider this time! (What an accomplishment…ha ha)

Having 13 people joining me for this Saturday ride was a little surprised to me. With the “not-so-good” experience from the week before, I certainly had the pressure of leading such a big group. Luckily 3 TRLs, Kathie, Brian and Corry were in the group, it made my job easier.

We stopped at the Goldstein’s Bagels in Arcadia and the San Gabriel Mission. We also passed by the Huntington Library. If you happened to run into a group of riders in South Pasadena, San Marino, Temple City, San Gabriel, Pasadena, Duarte, Monrovia, Irwindale, Arcadia, that probably was us. Next time don’t forget to wave or say “Go Riders.”

On Sunday, I co-lead with Virginia, Kathie and Brian. We started from Griffith Park and went to Sunland, Pacoima before climbing the famous La Tuna Canyon. The “fun” part of the day was, I stopped to help a rider, Chuck, fixed his flat tire. By the time we were ready to hit the road, I realized my then-was-parked bike had a flat too! I have not had a flat since last March, so I guess I could not complaint about it. It was a great lesson and practice.

As we were behind the group, Chuck and I decided not to do the La Tuna Canyon part. Instead we went back to the parking lot on an “easy” way. End up with about 35-mile. I’m happy with these back-to-back leading riders, not just enjoying the wonderful outdoor, but also spending time with those riders whom will be joining me in the ride in June.

I’m sure I will be leading more rides in the coming weeks. Stay tune for more.