A blog about bicycling and other misadventures.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Last minute tax deduction?
Here is a link so that you can donate a little money to the cause.
Thanks for reading!
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Merry Ipod Christmas!!!
Mister got me an Ipod Nano for Christmas. It's pretty spiff. I know it probably isn't a good idea to cycle in traffic with the earbuds in-- so I found this thingy from iHome. http://www.ihomeaudio.com/products.asp?product_id=10186 It is a portable speaker set that looks like it takes up a water bottle cage worth of space. I'm not sure how much it weighs or how well it works, but it is an idea. I think I found some other speaker accessory possibilities. It just doesn't seem like a good idea to be in and out of traffic with headphones on.
I am, however, comfortable enough to wear them out on the closed trail in the park. It is a closed loop for cyclists and annoying roller bladers. I also decided I wanted a good playlist or when I'm out there. I came across playlists at http://www.spinning.com/instructors/page.asp?id2=4609&id1=6 and also at Fitness Magazine's website http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/fitness/category.jhtml?categoryid=/templatedata/fitness/category/data/1156344442690.xml&psrc=fitplaylistwo
I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas! I sure did.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
I am exhausted and bruised. I spent 6 straight hours on my feet bent over at a 90 degree angle wrenching, ratcheting, lifting, and fixing bikes. I was the only female with tools, and I swear to you I almost killed me some menfolk. The male volumteers would tell me HOW to do it. Would take the bikes away from me to do it. I I yelled for folks to come to me for adjustments, they'd walk to the Mister first if we were next to eachother. It was an INTERESTING social experiment. I had 8 yr old boys telling me how to do it. It was an exercise in patience, too. It was also pretty dangerous. They warned us that when we ran out of bikes, we would need to haul ass out of the neighborhood. Some of the other locations almost had riots.
I was pretty disenheartened when I realized some of the "volunteers" thought they deserved a bike, and basically stole one. It made me sick. I ddin't relize what was going on until too late. There were also kids that came through several times getting several bikes, and then selling them to the crowd.OVerall, I am so glad i did it. I hope my skills with a wrench made the people realize that a girl is just as handy. Hopefully my bruised hand will recoup nicely over christmas. The meat of my palm is one giant red bruise.
I really think they should have had water and food out there for us-- or else told us to bring a snack and plenty of water. I am so dehydrated and having horrible back spasms.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
My first bike ride
The spacing is jacked up-- but I'm lazy.
Yesterday I had my first big ride (that I had been training for) and it was kinda like I was in the special olympics. I swear.Most of my fears came true, but they weren't that bad...It was 40 degrees and windy, in other words, totally miserable for bike riding. Half the course you had to pedal into the wind (and I had a LOT of trouble)Mister wiped out on the first corner, then came from behind, and beat me by a good 1.5hrs. He was going so fast bc it was so cold, and he was just wearing shorts and a tshirt.He told me I wouldn't be the only one on a cruiser bike, but he LIED. I was the only one on a bike without gears (which totally sucks in the wind!!!), I was the fattest person out there, and yes, I was DEAD LAST.I couldn't figure out why this truck was inching behind me until I asked them what the problem was.... It is to protect the last rider from getting nailed. I kept having to stop, and ppl would come up and ask if I was ok. It was really embarrassing. Every single person on the 20 mile route passed me. But when I finally made it to the finish line (as everyone was packing up and leaving) they all cheered for me. People who were driving away rolled down there windows and stuff, too.At one point I did start to cry bc the weather sucked, I was tired, and I felt dumb.But it was worth it, and I can't wait to do it again.I completed an athletic event. An event, even my scrawny husband had trouble with!
Friday, December 14, 2007
Been a little while!
Tomorrow we're planning a ride, but the weather is supposed to be kind of nasty-- so I suspect it will be bagged. I won't ride in 40 degrees and raining.
Some cool events I am slobbering over in anticipation-- Wednesday Dec 19th, we're going to the Elves and More Bike Build session. http://www.elvesandmore.org/ Their mission is really bad ass. They build bikes, and then will be delivering them to randomly chosen neighborhoods on Dec 22nd. I will also assist in the delivery. I am wayyyyyy excited.
I've been on the receiving end of charity in Christmases past-- so I love when I have an opportunity to give back. I will also learn how to build a bike on Wednesdy night. They're very short on this year's budget-- it only takes $40 to get a kid one of these bikes. If you have a little bit of extra cash, maybe think about checking out their website and dropping them a few dollars. I know bicycling has revolutionized my life. Maybe a bike can change a child's?
Warm wishes to all!! Happy cycling!!
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Thankfulness ensues.
Kokopelli Cycling--
One of the best things for me about cycling has been the change in my body. I feel longer, leaner, and healthier-- even if I am bruised at times. Few people understand the metamorphosis I feel I am undergoing. I think these 2 pictures should say it all.
These were taken 4 months apart (almost to the day). I can't wait to see how I change over the next 4 months. It is nice to face your body's changes with anticipation, rather than dread-- like when your pants fit too tight after Thanksgiving dinner.
This year, I am really thankful for my bicycle, my fashion sense, my husband's encouragement, and that I am accomplishing my goals. I'm also thankful my knee surgeon did a really great job on both ACL replacements. I am thankful to the 2 people that donated their bodies so that my knees can function better than ever.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Novemberfest- tough ride!!!
We got there, and it was rather crowded and warm. We lined up and started rolling. Immediately I pretty much knew the ride was going to be rough. We had baby hills right off the bat. I've been biking for only 2 months, and I ride mostly in flat Houston. Hills and gears are very hard work! The roads were also bumpy, which tired out my arms.
At one of the rest stops we had to make the decision--- 27 mile route or 44 mile route? I decided to go and challenge myself, and take the 44 mile route. Mister was a fantastic sport. He hung back with me the whole time! Even when I had to walk up a bunch of the hills. Eventually, I had to ride the SAG wagon. I just couldn't quite pedal the whole way. I think I sagged a total of about 5 miles. 39 miles is still about 10 miles further than I've ever gone before!
I sagged in the middle of the ride, and pedaled to the finish line. 3 people before the last rider. I would have been the turtle if I had not sagged. Mister was such a good sport, he sped up when I rode in a nice lady's Yukon, and practically met me at the rest stops.
The last 5 miles were miserable. I was chafed. I was exhausted. I did not have another mile in me after I crossed the finish line. At one point we had a tractor following us. I thought the tractor would pass us, but I was going faster than the tractor! I burst into tears, because I was so happy! I also made another womaan's dream come true of passing someone on a ride. I was the very first person she passed. I'm glad she was happy, and I am glad I pushed myself.
Weight loss news- I lost 2.4lbs this week, and I've lost a grand total of 4.5 inches on my waist since September.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Cycling socks!!! HEEEEEE
It has been a rough week. I didn't get out and ride any after the Tour de Donut. I got a tetanus shot on Thursday, and felt like crap for a few days. I did do Novemberfest (more on that later). When I got home from Novemberfest my husband handed me a little package from Arizona. My darling friend, Geo, sent me the most hilarious pair of socks (cycling ones). They match my bike, and have the Crash test dummy symbol on them-- since I am so accident prone.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Tour de Donut- not dead last!!!
Looking at the preliminary results, Mister was around #68. I was around 250th place. The list I saw had the wrong name by my rider number. Hmmmph. The list only tracked through rider #300. I am so flipping proud I was faster than at least 50 other people. It was probably small children that I beat. My first cycling event I was dead last. I was followed by the turtle mobile. I am so happy I wasn't last this time!!
Mister ate 9 donuts. Ewwwww. I didn't eat any. Ha!
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Tour de Donut
I'm assuaging my guilt with the fact that you get anti-lazy points when you voluntarily bike 28 miles. Mister is planning on riding to win the donut thing. He is planning on attempting to eat 24 donuts. HA! He will never want another donut again.
This morning he's at a Heart Walk, and I'm being lazy. Drinking coffee. Plotting world domination. Possibly cleaning some of our house that is in ruins.
I need to see if Mister wants to do NovemberFest. I want to do it. My friend Joel says it is the best and prettiest ride. I would like to attempt the 44 mile ride.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Moonlight Ramble -- Tour de Donut
I don't wanna be in a pile up. I have enough troubles without borrowing more.
Mister and I signed up for the Sun and Ski Sports MS 150 team. I was surprised no one from the Metro bike team signed up (besides us). There are some perks to the Sun and Ski thing, so I'm hoping we'll get good support. I'm aalso hoping we can fundraise money for it. We've each committed to raising $500/each.
Sunday is the Tour de Donut . http://www.tourdedonut.com/ There is a 28 mile race that Mister is doing. For each donut he consumes, it knocks 5 minutes off his time. He can, conceivably, finish before he starts. There is also a 55 mile route. I'm not racing. I am torn on whether or not I want to attempt the 55 mile ride or not.
The farthest I've gone is maybe 30 miles in a day. I'm averaging 12.5mph-- which is still slower than I want to be. I have no idea if this route is going to be hilly or not. I'm afraid I'll do the 55 mile route, get 30 miles and then use the SAG Wagon.
I've still got a few days to think about it. I know Mister will finish wayyyyyyyy before me. He will have to patiently wait in the parking lot for me to finish.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Moonlight Ramble Tonight
Friday, October 26, 2007
Weekend with no car- bike:1, jeans: 0
Random Good news:
I think I've lost another 1.5 inches on my waist since October 1st!
I am cleared from my knee doctor to train for the MS 150-- and he is muy impressed with my mad cycling skills!
Saturday, October 20, 2007
http://www.terrybicycles.com/detail.html?item_no=7447254
I am totally in love with this sculpture from Terry Bicycles. I simply adore it.
2 mile challenge- so far- sort of good
I wish I had a map of the bike routes in my area, so I can avoid major streets. Gah! It is scary out there, and I really tend to defer to Mister's expertise. Part of the reason I'm glad he is out of town, is that maybe I will learn to trust my instincts. That is hard!!!
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Clif Bar 2 mile challenge- modified
Poking around the other day, I found a Clif Bar Challenge. http://2milechallenge.com/home.html They want people to bike all their errands that are 2 miles or less. They even help you Google Map the area so you can see all the super cool things you can do on bike. Lucky for me I live in Montrose, a pretty hip neighborhood with plenty of local stuff. The only thing is that I wish Google Maps would help me find the smaller side streets, or bike routes, since I'm not quite ready to tackle cycling on Westheimer or Montrose or other bigger streets.
Here's the deal. Mister is going out of town this weekend. I'm working from home on Friday. I have decided this weekend I'm all bike, all the time. If I go anywhere it will be on bicycle or on foot. (I'd look dumb biking to the bar around the corner.) This is the 3 days that I will see how this works out. It might make me housebound. It might make me thinner. It might make me braver! Besides, I'll make sure to stop at Specs on my way home tonight so I can have some tequila on hand. Margaritas and scary movies are definitely on the agenda! Unfortunately, Mister is taking the camera-- so I won't be able to photo all the interesting sights I will see.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Let's talk cycling gear
For plus sized clothes I have found this site to be fun and helpful: http://www.beautypluspower.com/ Lisa knows her schtuff!! She has a whole section devoted to athletic apparel.
Lisa sent me over to Terry Bicycles http://www.terrybicycles.com/ Their stuff seems kinda cute. I managed to find some Terry full length tights through another site on clearance. The tights rock! The other cycling shorts are some I inherited from the formerly fat Mister. My fat squishes out the top and the bottom of them. I am not especially impressed with the padding either. (REI brand cheapish shorts).
Another product I adore is Chamois Butt'r. Buy yourself a giant tube, and then the "trial packs" are fabulous for tossing into your jersey pocket. http://www.athletegift.com/products/chamoisbuttr.htm
I tried the Body Glide stuff, and found that IMHO it does nothing for the chub rub. http://www.gotbody.com/public/b_SHOP_BY_BRAND/BODYGLIDE$1924/p_BODYGLIDE_ANTI-BLISTER__CHAFING_STICK$BGREG.aspx
If anyone has any suggested places I can get cheapish jerseys for my chubby self-- I'm all ears! Thanks!!
Monday, October 15, 2007
26 miles on Saturday
We are now officially registered for the Moonlight Ramble. I am very excited, as it means I must buy a new light for my bike. Don't want me to get run over.
P.S. In Weight Watcher's news I lost 3lbs this week. I like that game!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Ugh, cancelled ride
Then we were also planning on doing the Moonlight Ramble that night at 2am. http://www.totem-media.com/bikehouston/BH2007MBRflyer.pdf
It was going to be a momentous cycling day for me. 47 miles of self-propelled action! Alas, the First Capital one was cancelled. *snarl* That has been the sort of day I am having.
It also looks like Mister and I are the only ones from our Metro Bike Team to sign up and do the MS 150. I was hoping more people would do it-- but I know it is a huge committment and costs a bunch of money. We're thinking of joining a local store's team to get extra training rides in, have support while we're out, and "private bathrooms" in LeGrange.
By the way, if you're curious about this BP MS 150 ride that I'm all hot to trot on, here is a link: http://www.ms150.org/ms150/
It looks like registration is closed now. I'm very glad we signed up early! Now on to raising money for it, training for it, and following through on it!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Getting to know me.
This is me after one of my first successfully completed event ride. I biked 24 hilly miles. Sorry if my pic is huge and frightening.
This is my Mister Tinkerham. He did the 60 mile route.
This is the Jamis Ventura Elite I ride. It is orange, and obnoxious looking- just like me.
This is the silly logo I made up for myself.
Why did I name it Team Tinkerham? Well, I seem to kind of be everyone's pet fat cyclist. I am reveling in it, too. It also seems to me that it will probably be a team effort to raise the money for the MS Society, get my hiney from Houston to Austin, and generally look after my well being.