There were several choices for today’s song title, but the simplicity of this said it best. Hat tip to SY for the recommendation.

Alpine to Jacumba (ha-cumba)

47.5 miles

2000 Ft climb (s)

up to 12% grade

Each evening after dinner we meet for a preview of the route for the next day.  Our map meeting discussion for today’s ride had one theme, and one theme only – when you leave Alpine – you go up, up, up.   There was no mention of the wind however, and that meant that in addition to the up, up, up part, it also meant you went slow, slow, slow.

Alpine to Jacumba Started at 2000 feet topped 4000 feet. and yes, we rode across all of those roller coaster hills.

The morning routine includes bringing your bags to the trailer and packing them in the trailer, putting air in your tires, eating breakfast (typically standing up in the parking lot – unless it is a hotel breakfast) and then packing snacks from the snack table.  Then it is go time!  Everyone pretty much trickles out when they are ready to go.

Most of us were ready to go bright and early, and there seemed to be a bit of anxiety from the group for the ride ahead.  Of course, that anxiety could have been all of my own – but I do think there were a few others that felt the same way.  The thought of a day with may significant climbs was a bit overwhelming for me, but it was time to roll out and as my friend Adam encouraged me to “Embrace the Suck”.  Not only did I Embrace the suck, I kissed it,  and married it by the end of the day.

The first 13 miles took me 4 hours.  Yup, you read that right – 4 HOURS!  Between the climbs and the winds, and oh, baby, did those winds blow!  I (we) were crawling.  As part of route today, we actually road on a California Freeway – I-8 (oh wait, I’m sorry.. THE I-8.. little California freeway humor for you..)   Total miles on the freeway?  3.4 miles.  Total time on the freeway – 1 hour.  The freeway did have a wide shoulder – so that was great — but I will say that after viewing the debris on the roadside (which consisted of glass, bolt, nails, screws, etc) I will never, never, ride behind a truck with a full load.  I didn’t realize how much stuff bounces off of them, that is suppose to be securing the load!

Everyone on the ride has been incredibly supportive and for the fun on the freeway I had a great riding companion.  We were the last two to check in at the SAG (vehicle parked with drinks, food – where we check in)  We made a quick stop for some red twizzlers- which I have been told have magical powers that will help me climb…hmm… and we were off – as the harsh reality that after 4 hours we still 30+ miles go.

I had several mantra’s rolling through my head today, one I recited at every mile, and often within that mile.  This Mantra came in the way of advice from one of my fellow riders husband yesterday morning before we rolled out.  He was an experienced cyclist, and had completed a cross country trip.  I asked him what would be the one piece of advice that he had for us as we set out, based on his experience.  His advice was “you are stronger then you think”.   Say that 50-75 times over the course of 8 hours – and somewhere along the way you start to believe it  (Thanks, Carl!)     The second Mantra was “one mile, one mail box, one pedal at a time. ” And finally the third was “F*&*^ off Mr. Wind!”

We stopped at a cafe  around mile 20, and it was recommended to have the pie.  I had sandwich (but a bit of pie right about now sounds appealing)- I was starved, and realizing I still had miles to go, I thought it was best to fuel.  Good thing we did as we still had climbing and wind to deal with. I do not have the exact speed of the wind gusts – but one of the women was blown off her bike today.  She is fine, but she has a bruised hip!  Yikes.  There were gusts of wind, and sections of road that we walked up – it was faster than trying to ride with the wind pushing you back.  C-r-a-z-y!

We also saw a lot of Border Patrol activity. There were Check points and the big bad fence.  Somewhere in all the planning and viewing of the itinerary, I missed that fact that we are so close to Mexico while we are in California.  I was expecting it in Texas, but not here. (hey, Joe C- Check it out on the map – I know how you love maps!)

Good night everyone and thanks for all of your wonderful support and encouragement – it means the more than you an ever know!!!

San Diego to Alpine

35 Miles

2700 ft elevation climb

7-9% grade

For the title of my blog each day – I am going to attempt to use a song title that helps to define the day.  Remember – sometimes it is only the song title – not the lyrics. Today I give a shout out to the Long and Winding Road.  A great  fit for the start of a cross country journey.

First thought of the morning was a toss up between “Ready or not hear I come”, and who the hell is texting me at 4:00 in the morning?   I did sleep a bit – so that was good – as I was increadibly anxious – about well, most everything.  My first anxiety to overcome was that my luggage was well below the 50 pound maxium.  We are allowed 2 bags not to exceed 50 pounds, each bag not to exceed 30.   Ever the overachieving Girl Scout – I like to “Be Prepared” .  Phew, no public castigation.

Thank you to my send off team (again, you will tire of me saying it – but I will not be able to ever voice my gratitude enough.)……I have the best Village!!!  3000 miles away from home and from places in between, I had a hugging, cheering and picture snapping crew.  Thanks to Bryce, Dan, Matt, Teri, Brenda and Andy!  I thought I would be weepy – but was so intent on getting started – that after the ceremonial tire dip, photo, sand removal from feet, pictures  and hugs – I rolled out 568 days after I signed up for this trip!

Getting out of San Diego – the first 10 miles or so was what you would expect navigating through a busy urban area.  San Diego is “bike friendly” with designated bike lanes. BUT that doesn’t mean it is easy to get through.  Busy traffic, lots of left hand turns, and lanes collapsing – we had to pay close attention.  Plus I am sure we looked like quite a sight – a gaggle of cycling geese in a single file pattern flocking East!   For those familiar with San Diego – we left from Dog Beach, and headed out right past the San Diego Charger stadium.

The group started to separate after the first climb out of  San Diego.  And that was for me a bit of a wake up call – There be climbing to do to get to Alpine and beyond!    All the training that I did to prepare me absolutely helped, but I felt quite a bit rusty not being able to  get out and ride my bike during our snowy winter.  I am not a fan of climbing – as a matter of fact it is my weakest and least favorite portion of cycling.  Which is a very tactful way for me to say – it sucks, big time.  I get to the top, slow and steady – but it is work.   I was part of a small group of 6-8 and we pedaled along and enjoyed getting to know one another when we had the chance.

The last turn on the cue sheet before entering the hotel – was not a welcomed one!  Take right on Alpine Road for 3.5 miles of steady climb.  UGH – Although it was only 35 miles today – relatively short all things considered – it was my first day out and I was beat. Climbing for another  3.5 miles was not something I would relish.  For those that know me well know that on occasion I have a penchant to drop  an “F” Bomb.  You all would be proud of me – I did not drop a single one.  (foreshadowing: I saved them for Day 2).

The final climb found our group shrunk to 4 then 3 then 2.  We worked together to stay positive. Resting, pedaling, drinking water.  It was a mile to mile kind of climb.  And if necessary, it would (will) be a mail box to mail box kind of climb.

The two of us made it to the hotel  together. Yay.  And that was when my second major anxiety (of the trip, not just the day) was overcome.  We were the last of the geese to trickle in – last.  And Nothing happened to me.  Huge moment for me.  I wil not lie – and when I got to my room, I did weep a bit then.

Most would suggest that I am a very confident person – and that is mostly true. But there is a big hole in that theory — when it comes down to it – I am very confident in what I know, what I do, what I am familiar with.   My confidence wavers greatly when I am trying new things that I don’t know if I am good at, or what the hell is going on!  I want to be good at it, I want to look like I know what I am doing, god forbid I look stupid.  But today, well, today, was the first of what I hope to be more of breaking down those fears and anxieties.

I was last today, And nothing happened to me.  Well, something happened and it was good.

I promised to update my blog awhile ago, but have been caught up in preparation efforts.  I promise to be more diligent once I get rolling.

48 hours until the start of the 2014 Woman Tours Southern Tier Cross Country adventure.  I am currently aboard Southwest about an hour outside of San Diego!  Amazing  – they corral you like sheep, but you can access the internet so I guess it makes it better somehow.

Bike Fit

I consider myself somewhat of a novice when it comes to cycling, and I have been looking for a bike shop that wasn’t trying to sell me a bike that didn’t fit my needs, or run by salespeople who did not know how to talk to a crazy woman who just got off the couch 4 years ago and wanted to start cycling for fun and fitness, not for performance or racing.  I was pleased to hook up with the folks at Papa Wheelies in Portsmouth and they have been great to work with.  I made a few changes to my bike this fall to prepare me for multiple day, extended mileage and a number of climbs with the hope to recover each day and make it 3100+ miles.   In addition to a new cassette – which gives me a lower gear for climbing, I had new tires put on — they are a bit more rugged than typical road tires and hopefully will help save me from a few tire changes.

I also had a full bike fitting – which was fascinating.  The entire process took over 2 hours and Josh put me through a number of tests and assessments.   It was fun (?) to lay on a massage table in the middle of the bike shop surrounded by bikes left, right, center and from ceiling as he checked my leg resistance  and alignment from several different “poses”.  Nothing like laying on your side with your generous ham hock in the air mid aisle for all the world to see.  I brought Sweet Ruby in and we put  her on the trainer and he measured, and scoped and even used a laser level to view my alignment.  Another tool was the use of a video camera -where he collected footage when I first arrived and then after we made adjustments.    It was an investment for sure, but one which I hope will continue to pay off by providing comfort, and good form that will minimize injuries over time.

Papa Wheelies also assisted in packing and shipping the bike to San Diego through a company called Bike Flights. $70 bucks to ship her across country to Bernie’s Bike Shop- no internet for Sweet Ruby. She will be reassembled and we will be reunited tomorrow for a bit of a shake down ride before we roll out on Friday.

Josh modifying handlebars for the best fit

Sweet Ruby ready for her check up

Karen Fit

I finished up with Charlene, my personal trainer on Tuesday.  The last several months working with her has helped me to make the best of work that I do not enjoy, or am not a natural at or gifted. Please note that I once fell off the sidewalk on a walking fieldtrip and wrecked my ankle, not to mention the famous Broken Nose by softball incident in 8th grade.    Charlene made sweating fun – and I have not said that in awhile.. wink wink.   I hope all of our work will pay off and give me the strength that I need to make it up a few of those climbs.  I am built for the descent – gravity is my friend on the downhill.   But like any great reward, you have to do the hard work first, to reap the rewards.

Multiple Send Off’s, Generous Village, Overwhelmed by it all.

Over the last few weeks, I have gained a glimmer of insight into what it must be to be a rock star on their  final tour.   I promise that this is not my final tour, and I will return!   First, the send off by Joanne and Kathy that included an auction fundraiser for Make-A-Wish — WOW !  Thanks to all that shared in that day – those who donated goods and services, and to the “village people” who bought stuff they likely did not need, for twice the price!   Great job by our young, professional auctioneer, Dan Chute.  It is so great to give someone an opportunity to show their stuff – nice work Dan!     Second send off was just Saturday night, and I admittedly had to recover from a tequila shot or two that found its way down my gullet… so much for all that training… I blame Paul O.    I was so happy to see so many old friends and I thank all of you for your support.  Can someone let me know if Darren Ball ever made it out of that corner – he arrived, staked his claim in the corner and never seemed to leave his spot.

Crowd packed in at The Tomko’s

We make wishes auction. So much fun

Product and services from many generous donors

What struck me about both events is that I am so fortunate to have lived these 50 years with so many wonderful people.  All aspects of my life have been represented, not just at the send off’s- but with calls, posts, cards and hugs.  Grade School, Junior High, High School, Travel era, Payments era, Real Estate era, Twisted Sistahs, and so much  more.   My heart is full with love and gratitude to all of you, especially my sisters, Kathy and Joanne for their unwavering faith in me and love.

Alright – time to power down to land in San Diego – and the weather looks to be a hell of a lot better than home !

-Karen