Reasons

I ride for many reasons. Sometimes to think, to clear my mind, to talk with friends, to enjoy the view, to eat! And then I ride to push myself. In the two years I've been cycling I have pushed myself mentally and physically to the limits. I've ridden 4 century rides, countless club rides, and tons of challenging routes with friends. All while enjoying the social company and spectacular views, I still find myself pushing myself to get up the hill, go a little bit further, or keep up to the guys ahead of me.

The Mount Evan's Hill Climb- I want to do this. Why?? For the spectacular views. For the challenge. For the time and dedication it will take to prepare for such a ride. And most importantly, for fun!

Early Training

I spent this weekend in Bakersfield. Aside from seeing friends and a dental appointment, my goal was to get some saddle time and miles logged in preparation for my century in August. Friday my mom and I rode 70 miles. Two years ago on this particular route I had a mental and physical breakdown midway up the steepest climb and wanted to throw my bike off the side of the road. Needless to say it felt great to power up that particular hill and finish the ride with a solid time. It was still a beastly ride. The hot and dry weather didn't help either. We rode the past 2 days as well, but neither ride was as lengthy or difficult compared to Friday's. I accomplished what I wanted to: 3 days, 3 rides, 124 total miles, and just under 9 hours in the saddle.

Swingin' Away

Turn that frown upside down! I was driving on Friday and started to think about everything I was leaving in San Diego. Friends, family, temp work, food, awesome cycling... San Diego. I have been looking forward to moving up to LA and living with my brother, but having lived in SD for the past 3.5 years, I have accumulated some good times and memories. How did I cheer myself up? I turned up the volume, rolled down the windows and head-bobbed to Sing, Sing, Sing a couple times. Next was Take 5 followed by Hello Dolly. To close out my I-5 jazz session was It Don't Mean a Thing (if it Ain't got that Swing). I was enjoying myself and eating crêpes in San Clemente in no time.

Busy Busy

Lately I've been working at my Aunt's TMJ (temporomandibular joint) office, doing mostly busywork and learning how to use dental software. Fun... Actually, the people at the office are what make it fun. My temporary co-workers constantly interrupt me to ask questions and just talk. And then there are the patients, who by now are used to seeing me in my little work space. My aunt did a great job of introducing me to them or telling them all about me while in the treatment chair.

Two weeks ago I went to the Kings game of the regular season. A friend of mine had extra tickets. Katie, her friend, and myself went to the game. VIP seats are amazing! Not to mention the halls are less crowded, and there's people service should you decide you want a $10 beer. I just wanted to watch hockey. Unfortunately they lost in a shootout. But I still had an awesome time.

I also saw Robert's movie "How to Train Your Dragon." I've seen it twice now. My advice is 1) See it and 2) Go to a nice theater, possibly IMAX, to fully enjoy the sounds and 3D animation.

That's all the time I have for now. It's time for the SDBC club ride!

A Look Back

Before moving to San Diego and during my high school years "activity" was playing tennis for me. I'd run the occasional mile but that's about all. During ski trips I'd board and be sore/tired mid-day and ready to eat. I didn't live or support an active/healthy lifestyle by any means, nor did I desire one.

How things have changed... 4 years later I'm a new person. It's not about losing weight or trying to look thinner. For me, I like being active. I like my muscles telling me "today is your off day." It started out when I played ice hockey at UCSD my senior year. I discovered the importance of regular exercise. Hockey season ended and I signed up for a cycling century, 100 miles, for fun. Cycling took off from there. It's my latest addiction. You name a route (or hill) and I'll do it. (Fact: the furthest I've ridden on a single ride is 115 miles. It was relatively "easy.") I'm getting back to my morning run session. It's snow season! Which means trips to the mountain when there's time. And let me tell you, all the cycling and running sure does pay off on the mountain. Right now, those are my 3 main activities keeping me happy. Robert has taught me the joy of ultimate. I can throw a frisbee! And then there's tennis, golf, attempted surfing, swimming in the ocean when the water temp increases... possibly a triathlon later in the year...

Tomorrow is a rest day.

Numbers

The storms last week dropped 8-9 inches of rain in San Diego and approximately 8 feet of snow in Mammoth. Anyone care to guess where I'm going for this weekend?

The Groove

I'm back on the bike and it feels good! I've ridden 4 of the past 5 days. My legs were shot after Thursday's 50 miles. I couldn't even keep up during the club ride Saturday. Sunday I did the Great Western Loop, which is 40 miles with 3,000 feet of climbing. Over the course of 4 rides I did: 147.2 miles and 9hrs 38min in the saddle.

Snow!

The Mammoth/New Year's trip was so much fun this year! Here are the highlights: snowboarding, Kelley! and Kelley snowboarding, family, wii + mario brothers, playing in the snow, fires, wine, chocolate martinis. new year's eve fireworks, cookies, snow angels, a drive to June Lake, fresh powder, boarding off the top of the mountain, movies, a road trip... and much more!