Last weekend I had the pleasure of riding with the cowboys. This week? Pandas – Happytime and Jpconrad (Thomson was going to join, but he isn’t feeling well. We missed you, Jim!). Seeing as how I had the CAM challenge to finish, I called my favorite Panda in the world, Happy, and asked her if she wanted to ride a flat century with me. She’s wounded and I’m so fat, I’m waddling, so a flat century was in order. Lucky for me, she very sweetly figured out a route through Redondo/Marina Del Rey/Palos Verdes that was as flat as you’re going to get in CA (except for SGRT, which neither of us wanted to do).
So, at 7:00am on the dot, the Pandas and I took off for our final 100 mile ride of 2007. To say I’m not on top of my game is in the category of whining, and I will report that I whined about my out-of-shape-other-than-round-shape all day today. This ride was tough and my legs not worth crap (certainly on the few climbs we had). The weather was perfect. Cold, yes, but never with dreaded headwinds, and with views that were out of this world! Brisk days like today often bring stunning, cloud-spotted skies and wonderful, breathable air. We had both in abundance!
We rode from Torrance to Redondo to Marina Del Rey with a good pace, stopping only once for a quick bathroom break. On the way back, we decided to swing by Catalina Coffee and as luck would have it, there set Speedee and his buddy, Tim – both La Grange racers, both in perfect shape and both spent from having ridden the Donut Ride this morning. We caught up with them, I ogled Tim, took pics of both and we all had snacks. As we pulled out of there, those two gentlemen decided to join. I loved having them along but was embarrassed about my sorry-out-of-shape ass. I could hardly crawl up one of the few climbs we had in the day. But Speedee road alongside and was very encouraging. This was a mere recovery ride for both men, but they hung with us and our joking around until leaving us after a few miles. It was great to meet you Speedee!
As the day wore on, I began announcing that as long as I got to 98 miles, I would consider the ride a century. I was tiring terribly and I was pissed at myself. This isn’t lasting. No more. I want to be back where I was in January of last year and get my mojo back for good. I should have sailed through this ride! I was fortunate to have such great company. Joy and John are always enjoyable to ride with. Both were very patient with me today and my wild mood swings – being loud and jovial one minute (I think Joy was sick of my mile countdown by about mile 60) and whining-sour-puss the next. Having them there kept me going for sure!
On our final 20 miles back, and after we had stopped for a quick snack at Starbucks (my only criticism of the day – not enough posing!), we ran into a group of young, hot riders out for their afternoon ride. Such sweet guys. We posed for pictures with them, encouraged them to join on here (more sheep for the cult!) and then off for the final leg back. I was so tired that when Joy, who had graciously mapped the ride out, took us up one last climb, I moaned and glared at her. I could barely climb it! But once we crested, the descent was so sweet . Never doubt the Panda!
Finally, four miles to go and we’d get back with 96 miles (a few miles were missing as I encouraged Joy to not do an extra loop). I mentioned that I would just ride around the block to get two miles. Joy would have none of it. She looped us around and up and down, and to my absolute delight and disbelief, we ended at the cars exactly at 100.0 miles on my Garmin! I have the pic for proof! That little Panda knows what she’s doing.
Anyway, long report as usual, I know – but this was my last century of the year, a long, wonderful year filled with challenges in all areas of my life. I finished that CAM challenge and for no one but me, that means so much. Thanks to my two pandas, Joy and John, it was a worthwhile ride experience and perfect way to end the year of riding! Oh, yeah…I made it to just over 6,000 miles for the year.
Pics coming…
merider1
12-29-07, 09:11 PM
The Pandas - Jpconrad and Happytime
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/panda/10.jpg
And we're off
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/panda/9.jpg
It really isn't fair that some folks look so good in their kits! :p
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/panda/40.jpg
Me with the Pandas
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/panda/39.jpg
I died and went to heaven...and I like it there! (they took a shot of them and Joy on their camera that is far cuter. I hope they join BF and post it!)
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/panda/38.jpg
The last breathtaking view of the day
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/panda/37.jpg
Me, smothering the little Panda with a hug:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/panda/35.jpg
And our reward for all the work...chilli spaghetti...yum!
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/panda/34.jpg
VanceMac
12-29-07, 09:51 PM
Nice write up and photos, ME. Looks like another typical adventure for you and your crew. JP in all black with white shoes... would make Joe Namath proud.
merider1
12-29-07, 09:55 PM
Nice write up and photos, ME. Looks like another typical adventure for you and your crew. JP in all black with white shoes... would make Joe Namath proud.
Um...excuse me. Talk to the hand, you who rode 100 miles in PV today. :mad: :p
VanceMac
12-29-07, 09:56 PM
Um...excuse me. Talk to the hand, you who rode 100 miles in PV today. :mad: :p
Yes, but we started in SFV... and at a perfectly reasonable hour!
merider1
12-29-07, 09:57 PM
Yes, but we started in SFV... and at a perfectly reasonable hour!
7am is reasonable. :rolleyes:
spingineer
12-29-07, 10:52 PM
Congrats ME, Happy, and JP ... you got in the last century of the year. As always, great write-up.
roadfix
12-29-07, 11:03 PM
Excellent!!
Cleave
12-29-07, 11:07 PM
Hi ME,
Sounds and looks like a great time. I don't know how you and others reel off these centuries at this time of year. I can barely do 50 right now. Oh, and I don't want to hear any whining about waddling. ;) :D
merider1
12-29-07, 11:17 PM
Hi ME,
Sounds and looks like a great time. I don't know how you and others reel off these centuries at this time of year. I can barely do 50 right now. Oh, and I don't want to hear any whining about waddling. ;) :D
You're funny, Cleave. I can waddle all I want and whine about it! :p
You could have done this ride, btw!
Oh, and this is why the CAM challenge does have value - it gave me, and ultimately, Joy and John (who are not doing CAM), a reason to ride 100 miles this month! :D
merider1
12-29-07, 11:17 PM
Congrats ME, Happy, and JP ... you got in the last century of the year. As always, great write-up.
Thanks, Ron. :) and George! :)
thomson
12-30-07, 02:45 AM
Nice ride you guys and great photo's Mary.
Congratulations on CAM Mary!!
Happytime
12-30-07, 07:04 AM
Super day for a ride and two of my favorite peeps with whom to ride! Only thing missing were Scoot and Vance and Jim and Steve and...and...and...... ;)
My thoughts:
• My new lightweight Rolfs performed great. Quick acceleration with minimal resistance, cornering in hairpin descents felt very nimble, no twitchiness as described to lightweights – surprisingly steady on a fast, straight downhill. The 13-29 cassette made a huge difference on the steepest sections (and I needed every cog as the ibuprofen wore off around Mile 80). But the 15.1 lbs took away a lot of speed on the downhill. On the bomb down Crenshaw I only hit 44mph, while John torpedoed at over 50.
• Always fun to ride with LaGrangers Greg and Tim. Although you guys are insane for doing a Pt Mugu out-and-back as a recovery ride. You do a century ride to "recover" from a century ride? Nutty!
• The final climb of the day, I don't remember the section reaching 12% and said so out loud. A guy who was playing basketball in his front yard must have overheard a hundred cyclists say that. Of course he has to call out, "No one ever remembers!"
• Perfect weather for a century. It was about 60°F all day and coming back from PV East, there were none of the usual headwinds along the bluffs.
• The three guys (Mark, Marty and forgot the other's name) were fun people. I hope they log on and become regulars here. I'll even forgive them for putting Shimano on a Pinarello!
• ME, as usual, kept John and me entertained for the whole 100 miles. Probably most of the residents of the beach cities, too.
• Note to self: When injured and planning an "easy" century, do NOT put 3000 feet of climbing in the last 30 miles.
• Note to self No. 2: Whenever ME glares at me on the climbs, just remind her of descents like Via del Monte. :)
• Managed to ride through the ITB problem and back-bruises. I think the blood circulating is helping healing, as I actually feel a lot better today. Bring on the recovery ride.
Barabus
12-30-07, 07:28 AM
Thanks for sharing!
East Hill
12-30-07, 09:51 AM
I was thinking that this looked like a typical day in the PNW (clouds, threat of rain) until I saw the palms, the sand, the sun...:) .
Nice write up, and congrats to the three of you!
East Hill
jpconrad
12-30-07, 11:30 AM
Thanks for inviting me, Joy, I had fun with you and Mary. I'm sore, today, though (and was sore last night)... I'm so out of shape! :(
Oh, and I hit 53 on that downhill. Weeeee!
merider1
12-30-07, 12:44 PM
I'm not only sore but now I'm having...um...issues. I'm never eating chilli spaghetti again. :mad:
I've got to get a recovery ride in today, but I just don't feel like riding. :cry:
Wow...I truly am talented at both waddling and whining. :p
Happytime
12-30-07, 12:57 PM
I just got back from posing, er... riding. A little stiff today but not as bad as I feared. And easy 40-miler tomorrow and I've reached my 6000 mile goal. :)
merider1
12-30-07, 01:00 PM
I just got back from posing, er... riding. A little stiff today but not as bad as I feared. And easy 40-miler tomorrow and I've reached my 6000 mile goal. :)
:beer: You'll do it, Happy. :)
thomson
12-30-07, 01:41 PM
Super day for a ride and two of my favorite peeps with whom to ride! Only thing missing were Scoot and Vance and Jim and Steve and...and...and...... ;)
My thoughts:
• My new lightweight Rolfs performed great. Quick acceleration with minimal resistance, cornering in hairpin descents felt very nimble, no twitchiness as described to lightweights – surprisingly steady on a fast, straight downhill. The 13-29 cassette made a huge difference on the steepest sections (and I needed every cog as the ibuprofen wore off around Mile 80). But the 15.1 lbs took away a lot of speed on the downhill. On the bomb down Crenshaw I only hit 44mph, while John torpedoed at over 50.
• Always fun to ride with LaGrangers Greg and Tim. Although you guys are insane for doing a Pt Mugu out-and-back as a recovery ride. You do a century ride to "recover" from a century ride? Nutty!
• The final climb of the day, I don't remember the section reaching 12% and said so out loud. A guy who was playing basketball in his front yard must have overheard a hundred cyclists say that. Of course he has to call out, "No one ever remembers!"
• Perfect weather for a century. It was about 60°F all day and coming back from PV East, there were none of the usual headwinds along the bluffs.
• The three guys (Mark, Marty and forgot the other's name) were fun people. I hope they log on and become regulars here. I'll even forgive them for putting Shimano on a Pinarello!
• ME, as usual, kept John and me entertained for the whole 100 miles. Probably most of the residents of the beach cities, too.
• Note to self: When injured and planning an "easy" century, do NOT put 3000 feet of climbing in the last 30 miles.
• Note to self No. 2: Whenever ME glares at me on the climbs, just remind her of descents like Via del Monte. :)
• Managed to ride through the ITB problem and back-bruises. I think the blood circulating is helping healing, as I actually feel a lot better today. Bring on the recovery ride.
Sounds great Joy. Glad the new wheels and cassette are a good match for you. Hopefully the ITB & "bruises" heal quickly so you are 100%.
One thing I have learned about Mary's "glaring", she is just joking, it really means she is enjoying herself!!
thomson
12-30-07, 01:42 PM
<snip>.
I'm never eating chilli spaghetti again. :mad:
<snip>
WHAT?????
merider1
12-30-07, 02:12 PM
WHAT?????
I just got up from a nap and my stomach still hurts. :( It repeated on me the last time I had some of Joy's. This time I got my own order and I'm not doing so well today. I can't think of anything else it could be since it was the last thing I ate yesterday.
thomson
12-30-07, 02:28 PM
I just got up from a nap and my stomach still hurts. :( It repeated on me the last time I had some of Joy's. This time I got my own order and I'm not doing so well today. I can't think of anything else it could be since it was the last thing I ate yesterday.
So sorry, get better soon.
merider1
12-30-07, 02:35 PM
So sorry, get better soon.
I think someone needs to take me out to pasture and shoot me. That's what people do with sick cows, yes? :p
ronjon10
12-30-07, 02:48 PM
I just got up from a nap and my stomach still hurts. :( It repeated on me the last time I had some of Joy's. This time I got my own order and I'm not doing so well today. I can't think of anything else it could be since it was the last thing I ate yesterday.
It's Chili Spaghetti. It's like two great tastes that don't go together. I don't know how the results could be any different. :p
merider1
12-30-07, 02:49 PM
It's Chili Spaghetti. It's like two great tastes that don't go together. I don't know how the results could be any different. :p
Chili and macaroni go together. :o
roadfix
12-30-07, 02:51 PM
Phelippe's also have great chili. I had a bowl of chili & beans with ham w/bleu cheese sandwich yesterday. Good stuff.
Cleave
12-30-07, 03:31 PM
I just got back from posing, er... riding. A little stiff today but not as bad as I feared. And easy 40-miler tomorrow and I've reached my 6000 mile goal. :)
Hi Joy,
Even if I had ridden with you and ME yesterday I wouldn't have gotten to 6K miles. If I ride 34 tomorrow I'll be exactly 100 miles short. As I said in another thread, goals are over-rated anyway. ;) 330 miles in the last nine days was all I could muster this time of year. :o
ME, hope that you recover from your gastric maladies soon. :(
Dubbayoo
12-30-07, 03:45 PM
great report as per usual!
Speedee
12-30-07, 06:31 PM
Nice meeting you too ME!
The Pandas rock! :beer:
spingineer
12-30-07, 06:36 PM
I had some chilli pasta ... so far, no issues :p
merider1
12-30-07, 07:54 PM
ME, hope that you recover from your gastric maladies soon. :(
Thanks, Cleave. I took another long nap after a recovery ride today and I'm feeling back to normal now, except spaced out from napping twice today!
Okay, enough whining...:p
merider1
12-30-07, 07:54 PM
great report as per usual!
Thanks, Steve. I hope you're doing well. :)
merider1
12-30-07, 07:58 PM
Nice meeting you too ME!
The Pandas rock! :beer:
Hi, Speedee. I know I was a whining sorry butt, but you were so sweet to stay with me on what should have been easy climbs! :o
Scootcore
12-30-07, 09:08 PM
hey guys....sounds like it wa awesome! id have fer sure joined but was out of town, just got back from the cambria san simeon area about an hour ago actually.... next time....now i have to see if im deranged enough to head out tomorrow ato get the last 80 miles or so i need to pass 5000 miles......good times