AV Late Fall Utah Meeting

SadieKate and Wrench Boy ventured to Salt Lake City, my new home, over Thanksgiving weekend to visit Wrench Boy's mother. Of course they were willing to bring their bikes.

We did two rides, one up in Mill Creek Canyon (brrrr!) and one on Antelope Island (an island in the Great Salt Lake). What fun it was to see and ride with them again. It was chilly (especially the ride up in Mill Creek Canyon), but we just wore lots of clothes and rode faster than we might normally! Oh! And we did have Thanksgiving dinner together at a lovely little bistro in one of Salt Lake's trendy neighborhoods. Thumbs up to having someone else cook and clean up.

To see all of the ride photos, you can visit SadieKate's Photobucket site (I'm gonna have to git me one!)

(At Antelope Island, from L to R, Brian, Yellow, SadieKate, Wrench Boy)

Dam Corners and Valley road ride - Sunday, Nov 20

The Princess has decreed we will be starting in Winters.

Extended forecast shows sunny through the weekend so let's keep our fingers crossed. In keeping with traditional winter training goals, this ride will be a relaxed ramble through the countryside.

We’ll climb northwest up the canyon alongside Putah Creek over the Monticello Dam and Cardiac Hill, which are the only big climbs of the day, to Moskowite Corner. From there, one little bump and then we fly down Wooden Valley to Mankas Corners and on to Fairfield where we'll take a food break at the coffee house. We’ll turn north, climb a few short rollers and then have a nice smooth ride all the way north back to Lake Solano Park. This is the "good" section of the Foxy's Fall Century.

• Start: the town of Winters (Rotary Park parking lot at Railroad and Main across from the Buckhorn and Steady Eddy's Coffee House)
• When: Ready to ride at 10 am
• Length: 62
• Climbing: 2,780 (unless you have to go over Cantelow on the return)

To get to Winters: Interstate 505 goes north right into Winters from I-80 or your can take Russell Blvd east out of Davis. http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?ed=u8Nhjq160SyvQA0bpmqBMulSMUtJa6zz_Bvx9k0QKNEu6UagR4mUKkMkvI6I997NqQ--&name=The+Buckhorn+Steak+%26amp%3B+Roadhouse&desc=%28530%29+795-4503&csz=Winters+CA&country=us&cs=10&qty=9&ds=n

Map of the route that you may want to download to be able to see.
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/sadiekatel/detail?.dir=65dc&.dnm=fd0d.jpg&.src=ph

Pizza after? We can test the Pizza Factory: http://www.palmsplayhouse.com/pizzafactory.html

Let us know if this floats your boat, spins your wheels, etc.

Napa Valley photos

For once, I stopped and smelled the flowers. Though this time of year, it was the grape harvest. We rode through a constant delicious aroma of fermenting wine grapes.

These photos were taken going up Ink Grade from Pope Valley. Veronica summits, then Kim arrives desperately trying to get rid of the madman who followed her up the hill.

Saw lots of dead raccoon, squirrels and salamanders. Dangerous time of year for these critters.

Nov 12 - A Twist on the Tour of Napa Valley (road ride)

• Time: ready to ride at 10 am (but stay tuned, rain will cancel)
• Parking: Adams St east of Main St in St. Helena. This is a dead end street and recommended by both the Police Dept traffic person and the St. Helena Cyclery.
• Length: 54 miles, about 2,800 ft climbing
• Route: We’ll start in St Helena, go south down the Silverado Trail, climb up Sage Canyon (around Lake Hennessey) to Chiles & Pope Valley Rd. Continue north through the junction of Pope Valley Rd and then up to the small market in Pope Valley for a brief stop. Then, we’ll climb the beautiful Ink Grade and fly down White Cottage and Crystal Springs to the Silverado Trail. Here is the twist on the Century route: we’ll go up to Calistoga for a food break at the truly charming gourmet market by the glider port. After, we’ll just cruise the Silverado Trail back to St. Helena.
• Food/water on the route: the markets in Pope Valley and Calistoga only
• Food after ride: It's the wine country. I imagine we can find something edible.
• Map of St. Helena: http://city.ci.st-helena.ca.us/page.cfm?name=map
• Website for the St. Helena Cyclery: http://sthelenacyclery.com/site/intro.cfm

After the Mt. Hamilton ride - Mission Pizza in Fremont

In case anyone would like to get together after the Mt. Hamilton ride for a bite to eat, and perhaps a recovery beverage ...

Since it seems most of you are coming from north of San Jose, I thought we could get together at a really good pizza place which is just off 680, about 12 miles north of the Alum Rock exit - it's pretty much on the way home for most of us. And those who might be coming from points south, I hope you won't mind the detour.

Mission Pizza is at 1572 Washington Blvd. in Fremont.
http://www.missionpizza.com/

There's a good selection for meat-eaters and veg's alike, and their mini-pizzas are pretty substantial (so no bickering over what kind to get, you can order whatever you want).
They also have a decent salad bar, and lots of excellent beers on tap (on the off chance you might like to join us, Robb ...)

To get there from our start/finish location:
Head back down Alum Rock Ave. and get onto 680 North
Drive north ~12 miles, and take the Washington Blvd. exit
At the end of the ramp, take a left onto Washington Blvd.
Take an almost immediate right (at the sign for the veterinarian) into the Ohlone Center strip mall.
Take a left as you enter the mall parking lot. Mission Pizza is about halfway up the length of the mall.

Hope you can make it !

Mt. Hamilton, Saturday Nov. 5

Here's the plan:

If it's raining, or if there's a very good chance of rain, I'm going to cancel. I don't do mountains in the rain!

Check this spot at 7 am that morning, or call me on my cell at (510) 507-4689.

Anyhow, if the weather cooperates, we'll start out at 10 am.

Meet before 10 at the corner of Alum Rock Ave (Rt. 130) and Mt. Hamilton Rd. in Milpitas.

Here's a google map of the general area (you can move it around and resize it to get an idea if where we're at)
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=milpitas+ca&ll=37.383048,-121.815205&spn=0.014740,0.040770&hl=en

To get there: take I-680 to Milpitas (which is south of Fremont, north of San Jose), exit at Alum Rock Ave./Rt. 130, head east on Alum Rock for about 1-2 miles until you get to the T-intersection where Rt. 130 turns right, which is the start of Mt. Hamilton Road. Instead of turning right onto Mt. Hamilton Road, you'll turn left into a small parking area along the side of Alum Rock Ave.

If that parking area is full there's Linda Vista School, which is on Kirk Ave off Alum Rock about a mile back, where we could also park. I'll be at the parking area at the corner of Alum Rock & Mt. Ham, so if that area is full I'll send you back to Linda Vista and will (ahem) patiently wait for you to ride back and join us.

This link has directions on how to get to Linda Vista School - just bear in mind that it's written assuming that you're coming from the San Jose area, so if you're coming from Davis, Antioch and other points north you'll be taking 680 South. But you knew that.
http://bikemaster.home.att.net/routes/lvs_list.htm

Make sure to bring a couple of water bottles and some snacks. It's about 20 miles to the summit, and there are vending machines stocked with very pricey snacks at the summit observatory, but that's about it. There are rest rooms at the observatory, which I assume will be open, plus there are a couple of camping/picnic areas along the way up with portapotties and drinking water.

After-ride nourishment TBD

- jobob

Okay, So Maybe I Was Being Too Optimistic!

Apparently I did not do my homework, when it came to selecting the appropriate AV jersey size. Or, I was hoping to lose more weight than is humanly possible. The bottom line is that all circulation is cut off when I put on that attractive little jersey.

Is there anyone out there who missed an opportunity to buy a size large, club cut... or who got one that is too big (xl/xxl)? Let's make a deal!

Otherwise, I'm going to have to flag down some skinny waif on the bike trail and give it away.

Seriously.

Robblog...

Mt Hamilton - Saturday, Nov 5

Tentative plans are in the works for a Mt Ham ride. This would be the completion of the Bay Area Trifecta for some of us. Jobob is coordinating so more details to come.

Amici Veloci - SHIPPED TODAY 10/5/05

4 boxes are on their way to Oregon for re-packing and delivery!

Estimated delivery to Oregon HQ on Friday 10/7/05.

Let's hope the Veloroaster will post his shipping schedule so we won't be in too much suspense.

Emigrant Trail - Oct 1

Meeting Place - Donner Camp Picnic Area (right side of road north of Truckee on 89)

I'm trying to gather other details such as the "when" part.

The best I can puzzle out is that Robblog, Yellow, Thom and Princess Zippy will be joining us. As Thom and P Zip are travelling the farthest, I have empowered them to set said "when." Stay tuned.

Hoping Charlie will come. Awaiting further news from him.

Emigrant Trail - Sat, Oct 1

It's my birthday and I can ride if I want to!

Plans were hatched last night to ride the Emigrant Trail near Truckee as we celebrate my attempts to go down with grace and dignity (remember to go for style points with every fall). We’ll post more details later but assume this is an all day adventure.

Let me know if you’re planning on joining us.

Deep breath time

Here is the final design - note that "Fast Friends" is actually over the green cuff on the sleeve. Ladies and smaller sizes will have less of the overall design, the sketch represents a men's large jersey.

I sure hope you like it. Shipment is expected the first week of October.

Spazzdog, thank you so very much for all your hardwork. Couldn't have done it without you.

Triple Loop Davis Ride - Sunday, Sept 18

Updating the news on this ride I'd originally planned to help the newbies take a next step and generally have a good time. "No drop" is the motto for the day but with 3 lengths and one little hill to choose from one and all should find some fun. I really hope we can get more local riders out that we haven't met before.

The Loops
1) Winters and back (@34 miles) and I'm guessing a pace below 14 mph - Have 1 newbie coming that I know of. I'm planning to lead.

2) To Winters around Lake Solano (@43-50 miles) and a pace of 14-15 mph or so -- Have 1 rider bumping up her distance. I think Petunia is leading but she seems to have date mix-up issues so I'm waiting to hear.

3) To Winters and over Cantelow (maybe 56-60 miles) - Pace 15-16 mph and maybe faster. Need to confirm a leader and sweep or even if anyone is interested.

Ready to ride at 9 AM
Meet at Common Grounds Coffee House in south Davis

Post ride meal at Dos Coyotes.

Any volunteers? I'm hoping Yellow and Killer Bea are coming but Yellow is packing! Boo-hoo! MadCyclist, can you still make it? I'm counting on you to roust out the Robblog and drag him over Cantelow.

Sisters in Spirit

Sadly, I just returned from Bend. Sad, because a really wonderful trip with Sue (yellow) just had to come to an end. We had 4 terrific days of mountain biking the sweet single track of central Oregon. We did the classic river ramble to Benham Falls and the loop at Sisters, where we found Marney’s penstemon pillow from May but with dried stocks where once there were purple blooms. Jason (newly an Oregonian citizen) took us to Swampy Lakes and we had an epic descent to Tumalo Falls, Whoops, Phil’s and past the Flaming Chicken. Day 4 saw us exploring the upper elevations with Jason but Miss Petunia had to stay home nursing a bum leg. We did some truly serious root climbing up North Fork where I finally got to ride the Metolious-Windigo and Flagline Trails. They lived up to the hype. This was an epic ride day, especially with our 4 mile scenic detour. Fall has arrived in the high country.

Sue and I discovered that we must be sisters separated at birth. So many similar experiences and preferences – including soft and chewy molasses cookies. It was very fitting that I met my climbing goal with her on the Peterson Ridge loop in Sisters as she has been of major support in my quest to become a stronger hill climber. While WrenchBoy was the one who broached the wild idea of a goal of 100,000 feet, or the equivalent of 80 Empire State Buildings, I embraced the idea whole-heartedly. I’m amazed that I met the goal so early in the year and can only credit it to the sisterly support of all the girls on the TE forum who egged, er, cheered me on – Veronica, Kim, Jobob, Adventure Girl, Snapdragen, et al. Couldn’t have done it without them. I wish all of them could have seen the way I scaled the challenges of the North Fork climb, I think they would have been pleased.

Jersey - new low price for 24 hours only!

ORDER AS OF 2 PM PACIFIC TIME 8/30/05 -- http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?p=39610#post39610

We had to make some revisions with our jersey and vest orders so we've been given another 24 hours to add to the order at the new and improved 50 unit price.

Jerseys are $62.50 each (down from $79)
Wind vests are $55.50 each
Thermal wind vests are $86.50 each

If you would like to order a jersey, please let me know so I can send you an order form. Send Janet your payment and order no later than 4 pm Tuesday. Snap will be refunding money for those that paid the higher price.

Hope this makes some people happy!

Friends in Fast Places

Lon and buddies have started shooting action scenes under the nom de video "ShareTheRoad Productions." For your viewing pleasure, see the link to the right.

Diablo via North Gate Rd - August 28, Sunday

We've had requests for another ride up Diablo. Since it is so nice to ride up before the gates open and the Corvettes come racing in, we'll stage an early morning attack.

Start: 6:30 am
Where: Arbolado Park in Walnut Creek
Davis Bike Bus: Leaves the curb at 5:15 am

New friends and cyclists ride - Sunday, Sept 18

We're tentatively planning a ride to gather together all of our friends and their friends and their friends and, ok you get the point, but all those who are getting into road riding, help the newbies take a next step and generally have a good time. "No drop" is the motto for the day but with 3 lengths and one hill to choose from one and all should find some fun.

I'll post details later but the plan is to have 3 loop options from Davis: 1) Winters and back (@34 miles), 2) To Winters and around Lake Solano (@43-50 miles) and 3) Out to Winters and over Cantelow (maybe 56-60 miles). To pull this off, we'll need a ride leader and a sweep for each loop (I can supply good maps).

We'll probably meet at Common Grounds Coffee House in south Davis and can have a post ride meal at Dos Coyotes.

Any volunteers?

Time Trial #3 - August 24th, Wednesday

Everybody now knows about our little secret especially since I just invested in aero bars. Used them around Lake Solano today and definitely cruised a bit faster. My inner tortoise was having fun!

Attempt #3 is this Wednesday at 6 pm. I think the Monster Bea and Yellow will be coming down from Pville. Who else will come join in the giggles? The Davis Mad Cows and Wheelworks put on a low key, friendly, just have fun time trial. Here's the link: http://www.madcowsracing.org/train/2005tt.html

Afterwards, we can go for frozen margaritas at Dos Coyotes or head to the downtown Farmer's Market for BBQ and other local good eats.

Arm Warmers - Make Bubba's Dream come true!

Team Amici Veloci is only 8 pairs away from making our minimum order of 25. Just think how snazzy you'll look this winter styling your jersey and arm warmers. You'll look like a pro! They'd even make a great gift.Arm warmers are only $29 and may drop a buck or two depending on our shipping and tax situation. You can order via PayPal until tomorrow morning. Everyone needs warm and cozy arms. Order now! Bubba thanks you for your support!

Scroll down below to see more details about the jersey and to get snapdragen's paypal address.