tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47016238266091547792024-03-12T19:54:17.698-07:00Why do I ride?Because my sweat is nothing compared to their tears.
Because my challenge is nothing compared to their fight.
Because we are all on one journey...
with one destination, one goal to conquer cancer.
Come take a journey with me to help cure cancer one peddle stroke at a time.The Purple Dragonflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256587778378191001noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701623826609154779.post-30618827304476448662009-06-11T13:42:00.000-07:002009-06-11T15:25:04.239-07:00America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride<span style="font-family:arial;">Team in Training raised 6.8 million dollars for LLS. As a local chapter, we raised almost $55,000. Great job to all the fundraisers and participants. I had a great job training and riding with everyone.</span>
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SjF2ynsRF1I/AAAAAAAAAXc/n35vx8BShDM/s1600-h/Lake+Tahoe+2009+066.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 365px; height: 275px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SjF2ynsRF1I/AAAAAAAAAXc/n35vx8BShDM/s320/Lake+Tahoe+2009+066.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346184844685678418" border="0" /></a><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><div style="text-align: center;"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Ccchavez%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:Arial;font-size:16;" >May the road rise up to meet you.</span>
<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:Arial;font-size:16;" > May the wind always</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:Arial;font-size:16;" > be at your back</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:Arial;font-size:16;" >.</span>
<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:Arial;font-size:16;" > May the sun shine warm upon your face,</span>
<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:Arial;font-size:16;" > and rains fall sof</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:Arial;font-size:16;" >t u</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:Arial;font-size:16;" >pon your fields.</span>
<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:Arial;font-size:16;" > And until we meet again,</span>
<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:Arial;font-size:16;" > May God hold yo</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:Arial;font-size:16;" >u i</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:Arial;font-size:16;" >n the palm of H</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:Arial;font-size:16;" >is hand</span>.
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<br />
<br /></div><span style="font-family:arial;">There is a reason why this bike ride is called "America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride". While it was a bit cloudy and rainy when we got there, you could not deny presence that the lake has.
<br /></span>
<br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I was stopped the TSA getting my bags checked Friday morning. Seems I missed taking out my CO2 cartridge... OOPS. And, then they were questioning my Hammer Nutrition container with Tuaca. After explaining the situation I was able to pass with my Hammer Nutrition (hee, hee).
<br />Jan and I flew out three hours after everyone else. I was glad when I found out there was lots of turbulence (not a fan) for the group that went out before us. Our bus ride was slow... but when we got to our hotel I was thrilled to see I had a lake side view. We spent Friday night at the <span style="font-style: italic;">Naked Lady</span> sushi place and stayed for a couple of hour</span><span style="font-family:arial;">s just eating and eating.
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<br />We were going to go on a short 20 mile ride on Saturday, but the rain gods would have nothing to do with it. It rained, and rained and rained all day. Needless t</span><span style="font-family:arial;">o say we were all concerned that the rain would not stop for Sunday. To sooth my rain anxiety, I shopped. Something I never have a problem doing no matter where I go.
<br /></span>
<br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Barb (my roommate) and I got up at 4:00am to get ready on Sunday morning. I had already decided that I was going to ride even if it was still raining. I hadn't come all this way to not ride. We were in luck. It was just a bit cloudy outside and the roads were not too wet. It was chilly though... a cool 30-40 degrees out. Thank goodness for Starbucks downsta</span><span style="font-family:arial;">irs. I'm not sure what I would have done without morning coffe</span><span style="font-family:arial;">e.
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<br />For the majority of the day, I rode towards the back of the pack. I knew I was not going to be able to stay with the fast group and did not want to burn myself out too early. I did okay until mile 82. I think I was bonking. Mike M, who rode with me for about 30 miles helped to get me back in good riding condition to finish with the help of Ed of course. I was determined to <span style="font-weight: bold;">not</span> get in a car to finish the last 18 miles.
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<br />After being out a total of 11 hours, 8.5 hours of riding time I finally finished. Thanks to all my team mates who waited for me. You guys are the best. The ride was great, the scenery was incredible, but the friends I made on this riding journey is invaluable.
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<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SjF2zOh2UQI/AAAAAAAAAXk/slUZbpcvAO0/s1600-h/Lake+Tahoe+2009+068.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 294px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SjF2zOh2UQI/AAAAAAAAAXk/slUZbpcvAO0/s320/Lake+Tahoe+2009+068.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346184855110963458" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SjF2zdfEBfI/AAAAAAAAAXs/ZeW0JiXeIWI/s1600-h/Lake+Tahoe+2009+077.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SjF2zdfEBfI/AAAAAAAAAXs/ZeW0JiXeIWI/s320/Lake+Tahoe+2009+077.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346184859125810674" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Melissa and I walked down to the beach to wade in water before we met everyone for lunch. I think I was born to be near the water because I did not want to leave. I could have stayed there all day soaking up the sun and watching the water. </span>
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<br /><span style="font-family:arial;">There are two sets of pictures below. As you are watching them, place your cursor over the picture to read the caption.
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<br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" > </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">XOXO</span>
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<br /></div>The Purple Dragonflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256587778378191001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701623826609154779.post-23361803442114769032009-06-11T13:41:00.001-07:002009-06-11T13:41:43.027-07:00Lake Tahoe 2009<div><embed src="http://widget-b0.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=1657324662896201392&site=widget-b0.slide.com" style="width:400px;height:320px" name="flashticker" align="middle"></embed><div style="width:400px;text-align:left;"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=1657324662896201392&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-b0.slide.com/p1/1657324662896201392/bb_t000_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=1657324662896201392&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-b0.slide.com/p2/1657324662896201392/bb_t000_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=1657324662896201392&map=F" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-b0.slide.com/p4/1657324662896201392/bb_t000_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a></div></div>The Purple Dragonflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256587778378191001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701623826609154779.post-16672489263136811072009-06-11T10:17:00.000-07:002009-06-11T10:22:34.598-07:00flying around the clouds<span style="font-family: arial;">For some odd reason, I love clouds. I love the shapes the clouds form, I love the way clouds look like pillows you just want to jump into and most of all I love the peacefulness I feel when looking at clouds. I love to lay out in the backyard and look up in the sky at the clouds with my kids.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">And, since I had a birds eye view of the clouds, I had to take advantage of beauty.</span>The Purple Dragonflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256587778378191001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701623826609154779.post-57442950118163976562009-06-11T10:16:00.001-07:002009-06-11T10:16:55.475-07:00flying around the clouds<div><embed src="http://widget-a2.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=1657324662896200354&site=widget-a2.slide.com" style="width:400px;height:320px" name="flashticker" align="middle"></embed><div style="width:400px;text-align:left;"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=1657324662896200354&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-a2.slide.com/p1/1657324662896200354/bb_t000_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=1657324662896200354&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-a2.slide.com/p2/1657324662896200354/bb_t000_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=1657324662896200354&map=F" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-a2.slide.com/p4/1657324662896200354/bb_t000_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a></div></div>The Purple Dragonflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256587778378191001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701623826609154779.post-37296049020834399982009-06-03T10:54:00.000-07:002009-06-03T11:23:02.481-07:00Lake Tahoe Here I Come<span style="font-family:arial;color:#000066;">Life has been so busy these last few weeks I have not had time to post what has been happening with riding lately. Here is the quick down & dirty. After the Tahoe ride I will catch up with pictures.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000066;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000066;">~ Long training training rides in the mountains in horrible winds.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000066;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000066;">~ Training rides cancelled due to bad weather</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000066;">.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000066;">~ Great ride to the Gilman Tunnels in Jemez - 75 miles.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000066;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000066;">~ Rode the Santa Fe Centruy with friends - 80 miles.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000066;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000066;">~ Blew off the last 85 mile training ride Memorial weekend to spend it with my family. Saw Night at the Museum. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000066;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000066;">~ Taper ride on the 30th. Rode 30 miles on my mountain bike to the Range in Bernalillo to have breakfast with the whole team. Guests were able to join us.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000066;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000066;">~ TNT send off party at the Giudice's. Ate lots of good food, kids swam all night, soaked in the hot <span style="font-family:arial;color:#000066;">tub and was eaten by mosquitos.</span></span><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000066;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000066;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000066;">~ Starting to pack for the trip. Packing the girls to go spend the weekend with my sister. Frank is free for 5 days. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000066;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000066;">~ Frank has still not bought me the Nikon D90 I want. I am now asking for the lower model D60. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000066;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000066;">~ Leave for Lake Tahoe on Friday the 5th and the ride is Sunday the 7th. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000066;"></span><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000066;">I'll be back with awesome pictures (I hope).</span> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>XOXO to all.</strong></span></div>The Purple Dragonflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256587778378191001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701623826609154779.post-52319276039858747792009-04-27T13:09:00.000-07:002009-04-27T13:50:26.149-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;">Why Do I Ride..</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;"> in the horrible wind and not not feeling well?</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Meet my beautiful cousins Suzanne and Liz. Our mothers are sisters and both lost their battle with cancer. I ride so we can do a five mile walk because we want to get some exercise, not because we want to wipe out cancer. </span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SfYVy2MWDBI/AAAAAAAAAXU/eiu0_njDVyA/s1600-h/Breast+Cancer+Walk+018.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SfYVy2MWDBI/AAAAAAAAAXU/eiu0_njDVyA/s320/Breast+Cancer+Walk+018.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329471172324494354" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255); font-weight: bold;">Making Strides for Breast Cancer 2009.</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 153, 255); font-weight: bold;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255); font-weight: bold;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span><br /></div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">50 miles in the canyon~</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">The last couple of rides have been in the east mountains. In the rain, wind and fog. I was never a fan of wind, but now that I am on a bike more, I really don't like it. I feel like I am being tested at every turn. I am either riding into a 20mph wind going a whopping 8-10mph, or I feel like I am going to be blown over with a 30-40mph crosswind gust. </span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Since Lake Tahoe has several climbs, we are training on hills. Our elevation gain is 3000-4000 feet from our starting point. At the end of the rides I am always grossed out by all the dirt that has managed to find its way to my body. Only 5 weeks... can't stop now.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SfYSh5y9CCI/AAAAAAAAAWc/zjdBv8QdvOs/s1600-h/Breast+Cancer+Walk+004.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SfYSh5y9CCI/AAAAAAAAAWc/zjdBv8QdvOs/s320/Breast+Cancer+Walk+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329467582699079714" border="0" /></a>We are always smiling and being nice at the beginning of the ride. You should hear us while we are trying to get to our next rest stop. <br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SfYTPjxK0nI/AAAAAAAAAXE/ZepJQOjFUv8/s1600-h/Breast+Cancer+Walk+009.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SfYTPjxK0nI/AAAAAAAAAXE/ZepJQOjFUv8/s320/Breast+Cancer+Walk+009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329468367059997298" border="0" /></a>My half smile at the end.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SfYTPbfhNXI/AAAAAAAAAW8/URVzSz0tVsw/s1600-h/Breast+Cancer+Walk+008.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SfYTPbfhNXI/AAAAAAAAAW8/URVzSz0tVsw/s320/Breast+Cancer+Walk+008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329468364838483314" border="0" /></a><br />I'm smiling because we only have 12 miles to go and most is downhill. :0)<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SfYSifGdQzI/AAAAAAAAAWk/yDdsK810nXM/s1600-h/Breast+Cancer+Walk+006.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SfYSifGdQzI/AAAAAAAAAWk/yDdsK810nXM/s320/Breast+Cancer+Walk+006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329467592712995634" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">Even if we do have to climb these mountains and we sometimes do not like it, God sure has done a good job with the beauty.</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 255); font-family: arial;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">The same mountains a week before. Yes it had snowed and it was a bit coo</span>ler.<br /><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SfYSin17t6I/AAAAAAAAAWs/gCOP9tRKv8Y/s1600-h/wedding,+chris+mike+bday+098.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SfYSin17t6I/AAAAAAAAAWs/gCOP9tRKv8Y/s320/wedding,+chris+mike+bday+098.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329467595059607458" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SfYSi6DDqpI/AAAAAAAAAW0/vzxmPEb1iSQ/s1600-h/wedding,+chris+mike+bday+095.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SfYSi6DDqpI/AAAAAAAAAW0/vzxmPEb1iSQ/s320/wedding,+chris+mike+bday+095.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329467599946492562" border="0" /></a>The Purple Dragonflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256587778378191001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701623826609154779.post-75813516499383676162009-04-14T09:10:00.000-07:002009-04-14T09:28:22.998-07:00And, The Thunder Rolls<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 153);font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">I love the clouds... the cool breeze...
<br />the rolling thunder... and even the rain.</span> </span></span>
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<br /><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Ccchavez%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p style="text-align: justify;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal">However, I prefer that these events not happen on a Saturday when we are scheduled to ride 60 miles.<span style=""> </span>For the second week we canceled our team ride due to bad conditions.<span style=""> </span>The wind was fierce and the rain did not let up all day.<span style=""> </span>Only 7 weeks until we go to <st1:place st="on">Lake Tahoe</st1:place>.<span style=""> </span>I am also signed up to ride the Santa Fe Century on May 17<sup>th</sup>.<span style=""> </span>We only signed up for 75 miles and do have a SAG to scrape me off the road when I fall over.<span style="">
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<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >Kudos to my friend Cece. She participated in a triathlon on Saturday and cycled 17 miles in the rain. She is a better woman than I. XOXO</span>
<br /></span></p> </div>The Purple Dragonflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256587778378191001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701623826609154779.post-26071689588299134512009-04-05T20:10:00.000-07:002009-04-05T20:55:28.426-07:00Diehard or Dumb?<span style="font-family:arial;">There was a time in my life when Saturdays were for sleeping in. I wouldn’t get up until at least 8 (sleeping in for me) and would love having my kids crawl in bed with me so we could watch the latest Bratz cartoon. One of the girls would go get the box of Lucky Charms and we would eat them out of the box in my bed hoping one of the dogs would catch any stray cereal that would fall. We would start our day about 10 or 11 am unless we had a soccer game to go to. How my life has changed in one year. Fast forward…</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />The wind is howling on Friday night. It is about 9pm and I am getting my food ready for the following morning. PB&J, banana, cheese stick, recovery drinks, water, gels, etc. I take a sleeping pill and I am off to bed. The wind is so bad that my kids are in my room during the night scared because of the noise and the dogs are whimpering not knowing what is going on outside. Morning starts about 6:30 (slept in a bit). Eat an egg omelet (courtesy of my husband) load the car with food and bikes. I kiss my kids goodbye and let them know what time I will be home reminding them of what they need to get done while I am gone… dust, water, clean room and don’t forget to be good for grandpa when he gets there to be with them for the day. (MacKenzie is still asleep while I am talking to her). I am off by 7:50. <br /><br />It is cold outside, it is terribly windy. I am thinking that while I don’t particularly want to ride in this weather, I will since I missed last week. I need to be strong since everyone else is. The consensus is that the weather is too bad to ride and we will try again on Sunday. Knowing that I will not be able to ride on Sunday I sheepishly ask a couple of other riders if they still want to do a short ride “since we are here”. The only takers are Melissa, Jan, Tom, Frank and me. We started with coffee at Starbucks hoping the winds would die down a bit. They didn’t and we went anyway. We rode 11 miles in 48 minutes averaging 13.5 mph. There were times I was freaking out at the crosswinds. They had to be blowing anywhere from 30-40mph. I was riding behind Melissa and noticed at times that her bike was leaning right while her body was leaning left. While we wanted to do at least 20 miles, we stopped because we felt is was getting dangerous. We did make it back safely. <br /><br />Home was a welcome sight that morning. I kind of wanted to crawl back in bed and have the girls join me to warm up. Instead, we watched a movie and relaxed. Meanwhile, I am feeling guilty that I didn’t get my miles in and didn’t do any significant climbs. I was hoping the winds would die down so I could do some hills behind my house. The wind gods were having none of it. I ended up taking Bailey to her soccer game watching her play in the same miserable conditions. <br /><br />Diehard or Dumb? I keep hearing the wind is your friend and it will make you stronger. Today I wanted to revert back to my old life. But, I am hooked to the road and will ride because there is someone out there who is fighting. </span><br /></span><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/Sdly94fHWBI/AAAAAAAAAWE/8NwEMWuRDR4/s1600-h/4309+ride+010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321410842175428626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/Sdly94fHWBI/AAAAAAAAAWE/8NwEMWuRDR4/s320/4309+ride+010.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321410847828757810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/Sdly-Ni-TTI/AAAAAAAAAWM/KoALUKleWs0/s320/4309+ride+012.jpg" border="0" /><br /></div><p align="center">Look what the wind blew in. We make is back safely. </p><p align="center"> </p>The Purple Dragonflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256587778378191001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701623826609154779.post-23350465793270062042009-03-30T13:17:00.000-07:002009-03-30T20:07:02.380-07:00Cold ~ Afraid ~ Sad ~ Sick<div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#339999;"><strong>COLD ~</strong></span><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;">Spring Training is no fun. I am having a hard time with the weather. One day it is absolutely beautiful, the next you are pulling out the winter coats. Because I am claustrophobic, wearing several layers of clothing is becoming a problem. I like to ride with a sleeveless top and my camelback. When it is cold outside I end up with 4 shirts on and then a jacket on top of it. As I start riding, I get hot, so I stop at the side of the road and start stripping… then I get cold because I am sweating in the 40 degree weather so I put some clothes back on. I’m hot, I’m cold, I’m hot, I’m cold seems to be my mantra.<br />On the ride a couple of weekends ago, we were riding in 75 degrees. Needless to say I was hot and had a short sleeve shirt on with no sunscreen. So I am sporting a very attractive farmer tan on my arms. I am definitely looking forward to some consistency with the weather. And, if we can deal with no wind it would be even better. Wind is my other nemesis! 20-30 mph cross winds has been very scary riding down a hill at 20-25 mph. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;">I never knew how bad wind could be. I am used to sitting at spring soccer games in the wind. But, I usually have a blanket helping to shelter me. Or, I just sit in the car. Riding on a 12 pound bike and trying to keep your balance is a bit tricky. Is it fair to say I would like to be a "fair weather rider"? That probably is unlikely in living in New Mexico.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#339999;">AFRAID ~</span></strong></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;">It has been 9 months since my big bike crash. I hadn’t been back to the scene since, call it superstition (which I don’t believe in). We rode out to Zuzax starting from Tramway & Montgomery. There is no way to avoid the Tramway/Central intersection and my mind started doing tricks on me. I was looking for excuses to not go on the ride or to start from a different spot. Well, I have to love Road Mom. I think she purposefully knew I would be freaking out a little, so we did a little detour to the bike path. I ended up walking my bike across the “spot”. It’s amazing how the mind can make or break you. I’m happy to say I can finally put this bike crash incident behind me. While I do not completely agree with the outcome, I will have to live with the decision for three years. </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#339999;"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><strong>SAD ~</strong></span><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;">These last couple of weeks has been extremely busy. After the ride on the 14th, I get a text message from my very good friend Chris from Colorado asking if they can stay with us. They had just flown in because Mike’s mom was not doing very well. I would never say no, so when I got home I had everyone doing a quick clean up to see where we were going to have everyone sleep. Five additional people make a huge difference in sleeping arrangements. Unfortunately, Mike’s mom Suzie passed away early Monday morning from non other than CANCER ~ Lymphoma to be exact. My heart sank when I heard the diagnosis. Frank and I took care of their kids while they dealt with family issues. While I loved having them stay with us for a week, I wish it would have been on better terms.<br /><span style="color:#990000;"><strong><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#339999;">SICK ~</span></strong></span></span><span style="color:#339999;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;">Having three additional kids to take care can really do something to your immune system. I don’t know if I am just run down or what, but I have not been able to be completely healthy. I rode on the 21st with a cold. I was stopping every time I saw the SAG car to blow my nose or just catch my breath. I think having Suzie in the back of my mind kept me going. The ride was to San Isidro - one of my favorites. Only 45 miles? When you are not feeling good 45 miles is a long ride, especially on the climbs coming back. I didn’t ride on the 28th because I woke up with pink eye and was extremely stuffy. I think I have another sinus infection. In general I consider myself a healthy person. While I may not eat the best all the time and I have extra junk in the trunk, I have never had these kind of health obstacles before. All I can say is that I can overcome a cold faster than someone can overcome cancer. So, I will ride and ride and ride so we don’t have to watch friends and family bury their loved ones.</span> </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">XOXO ~ love to all.<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SdEpsIAh_dI/AAAAAAAAAVs/KzNhT48oGmw/s1600-h/wedding,+chris+mike+bday+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319078472941960658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SdEpsIAh_dI/AAAAAAAAAVs/KzNhT48oGmw/s320/wedding,+chris+mike+bday+002.jpg" border="0" /></a>Yeah!! We completed a 35 mile uphill ride to Zuzax. </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SdEprSA3eiI/AAAAAAAAAVk/CXRLJ-zlWuM/s1600-h/wedding,+chris+mike+bday+014.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319078458447854114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SdEprSA3eiI/AAAAAAAAAVk/CXRLJ-zlWuM/s320/wedding,+chris+mike+bday+014.jpg" border="0" /> </div><p align="center"></a>Frank & I snuck away for a hilly 15 mile ride on Paseo Del Volcan.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SdEprHwex2I/AAAAAAAAAVc/YubgKGAyzSU/s1600-h/wedding,+chris+mike+bday+013.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319078455694772066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SdEprHwex2I/AAAAAAAAAVc/YubgKGAyzSU/s320/wedding,+chris+mike+bday+013.jpg" border="0" /></a> Can you see the Star Center in the background. There is a terribly steep hill when you get close to it. I'll have to do it more to get ready for all the climbs in Tahoe.<br /></p>The Purple Dragonflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256587778378191001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701623826609154779.post-41375556107649524652009-03-12T15:37:00.000-07:002009-03-12T15:41:07.576-07:00Are You Afraid?<div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><strong>Courage</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><strong>is doing</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><strong>what you are afraid to do.</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><strong>There can be</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><strong>no courage</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><strong>unless you are scared.</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;">Eddie Rickenbacker (1890-1973)</span></div>The Purple Dragonflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256587778378191001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701623826609154779.post-67411861815201137322009-03-03T10:19:00.000-08:002009-03-03T11:20:50.183-08:00Updates & A Ride With My Girls...I only did 30 miles with the team on 21st of February. And, I didn't ride on the 28th because I have been fighting a painful kidney infection. I will not be riding this Saturday because I am having a yard sale for Tom to help him raise some money.<br /><br />I also looks like I will need surgery on my ankle. I have always had a week ankle since I tore all my ligaments playing basketball in high school. I will be walking and the ankle will just roll. People think I am clumsy because I will just fall over or lose my balance when my ankle gives a bit too much. Well, I rolled it pretty good before Christmas. I think I would have won on AFV if someone had been video taping. It was about 6:30pm and I went to the curb to bring the trash cans in. My foot got caught in a crack and I ended up on my backside with the trash cans in the middle of the street. It took me a minute to figure out what had happened. Since it was dark outside I saw car lights coming toward me and thought I was going to get run over. When I stood up, I couldn't put any pressure on that foot. When I got back into the house my ankle was the size of a balloon. Being the stubborn person that I am, I did not go to the doctor and have been living with a swollen ankle since that night.<br /><br />When I was at the doctor for my kidney infection, I finally had them x-ray my ankle. The x-rays revealed that I have a piece of bone floating around in the "swollen" area. And, there is something that looks like a cyst on another part of the ankle bone. I will be fighting going under the knife until after the June 7th ride. We will see what the orthopedic sugeon says.<br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#339999;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#339999;"></span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#339999;">On a happier note, I had a "great" ride with the girls. It was Sunday, the weather was beautiful and we needed to get out of the house. Bailey wanted to spend some time with friend so we rode to her house. It was a painful 4 mile ride. We had to stop every block to get a drink, or for Bailey to catch her breath. She was complaining that me and Mack were going to fast. She was complaining that we were in front of her, her helmet was too tight, the hill was too steep. On and on and on. It took us 30 minutes to go 4 miles. Mack and I dropped her off at her friends and headed home. It only took us maybe 10 minutes. We were so mentally exhausted from Bailey that we got huge bowls of ice cream to make us feel better. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#339999;"></span> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309042032642561746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/Sa2BmaVHFtI/AAAAAAAAAVU/SmMP6_xvKdk/s320/gina2+032.jpg" border="0" /></div>The Purple Dragonflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256587778378191001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701623826609154779.post-49392476363954934352009-02-17T21:18:00.000-08:002009-02-17T21:43:10.825-08:00A Valentine's Birthday Ride<div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"><strong>Happy Birthday Jan...</strong></span></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SZuc_5-lRII/AAAAAAAAAVM/lhi5CM71ffU/s1600-h/TNT+week+2+09+008.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304005607867892866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SZuc_5-lRII/AAAAAAAAAVM/lhi5CM71ffU/s320/TNT+week+2+09+008.jpg" border="0" /></a>She was ambushed with silly string. </div><br /><br /><br />We celebrated Jan's birthday on Valentine's Day. All birthdays are special, but how fun to be born on the day Cupid shoots lots of arrows. We planned to ride 53 miles for her 53rd. We tried, but the wind was not our friend. We ended up doing 35 (53 reversed). We ended up at the Range in Bernaillo for lunch and cake (and a couple of drinks) :0) Frank and Tom drove down and met us there. Thank goodness. After filling our bellies the wind would have just blown us over for the ride home. We piled in the warm trucks for the drive home.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SZua76TGNFI/AAAAAAAAAVE/fAmZtNIByoM/s1600-h/TNT+week+2+09+007.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304003340211205202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SZua76TGNFI/AAAAAAAAAVE/fAmZtNIByoM/s320/TNT+week+2+09+007.jpg" border="0" /></a> Good friends at the Range.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SZua7oG68sI/AAAAAAAAAU8/YGDAiOc9D60/s1600-h/TNT+week+2+09+005.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304003335328297666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SZua7oG68sI/AAAAAAAAAU8/YGDAiOc9D60/s320/TNT+week+2+09+005.jpg" border="0" /></a> Getting ready to ride in the morning with the group. The first part of the ride was 25 miles on highway 528. The tempreature was in the 30's. Just a bit brisk. <br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SZua7ZWBT7I/AAAAAAAAAU0/RTNp5zIW5gY/s1600-h/TNT+week+2+09+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304003331365097394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SZua7ZWBT7I/AAAAAAAAAU0/RTNp5zIW5gY/s320/TNT+week+2+09+003.jpg" border="0" /></a> Gina and I were spoiled on Valentine's Day. We both had our special someone to ride with us. My kids were with a friend and Gina's kids were with her mom. Both of us usually try and hurry to finish our ride so we can get home to our kids. Not today, we took our time. <br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SZua7JvKCNI/AAAAAAAAAUs/mAv4GDhQkQs/s1600-h/TNT+week+2+09+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304003327175559378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SZua7JvKCNI/AAAAAAAAAUs/mAv4GDhQkQs/s320/TNT+week+2+09+002.jpg" border="0" /></a> Frank's Valentines present was a new road bike. My mountain bike man finally caved into the road. He said he will never give up the dirt through. I drooled over his bike for two days. I think we should trade. <br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SZua6qoswOI/AAAAAAAAAUk/gNIP0gfbpgo/s1600-h/TNT+week+2+09+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304003318826975458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SZua6qoswOI/AAAAAAAAAUk/gNIP0gfbpgo/s320/TNT+week+2+09+001.jpg" border="0" /></a> Looking goofy. <div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>The Purple Dragonflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256587778378191001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701623826609154779.post-71371382947959173462009-02-09T13:00:00.000-08:002009-02-09T14:33:36.593-08:00Week 1 ~ The Training Starts<div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#3333ff;">Happy 6oth Birthday Mom, </span></div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#3333ff;"><br />My mom would have celebrated her 6oth birthday on February 5th of this year. For those who don’t know much about me, my mom died on St. Patrick’s Day 1987 from breast cancer. She was only 38. It is a strange feeling to know that I have lived past 38 and can’t imagine leaving my kids behind. I still cry for her. While I am not the strongest rider out there, I ride proudly for not only my mom but for everyone who has had to endure cancer in their lives. Come take a journey with me to help cure cancer one peddle stroke at a time.</span><br /><br /></span><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#3333ff;">------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span></div><br /><br /><p><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Our official Lake Tahoe training began on Saturday 2/7. There was a period of about 3 weeks where I thought I was not going to be able to train with the team. When I signed up to be a mentor, I thought I was automatically in. Well, I wasn’t, I did not get picked initially. I was terribly disappointed. I registered for the Tahoe ride when it opened up in January and started to panic as to how I was going to train on my own. I started checking into other riding groups and thought about just hiring a coach to train with. Well, the good news is that I am in and have 2 mentees and hoping to recruit one more.<br /><br />We have a wonderful group of people training for this ride. Most everyone who knows me knows that I am usually not shy about introducing myself to new people. So when the opportunity came for me to stick my hand out and say hello, I did. I am super excited to be training with someone who has had cancer and is currently in remission. I will be proud to ride next to him whenever <em>I need motivation</em>. We also have an oncologist and his wife training…super nice people. One of my mentees is riding in honor of her sister who is currently battling cancer. It was also nice seeing some of my old riding buddies. Each of us comes from different backgrounds, but we come together as one to help find a cure.<br /><br />Jemez Canyon Dam was our destination for our first ride. Only 12 miles round trip… sounds easy until you start climbing. But, we made it. I can already see the cold weather not being my friend. I don’t like riding with lots of layers of clothes (I get claustrophobic). Some pictures below to check out.</span><br /></span></p><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SZCheCtttgI/AAAAAAAAAUU/1Jm9G2HPm2c/s1600-h/week+one+09+008.jpg"><span style="color:#000000;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300914298911831554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 371px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SZCheCtttgI/AAAAAAAAAUU/1Jm9G2HPm2c/s320/week+one+09+008.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#000000;"> My friend Cece. She initially started trianing for Tucson with me, but a car accident took her out of training for awhile. She is back!! </span></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SZChCN80MjI/AAAAAAAAAT8/beBJfepvfuo/s1600-h/week+one+09+010.jpg"><span style="color:#000000;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300913820891623986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SZChCN80MjI/AAAAAAAAAT8/beBJfepvfuo/s320/week+one+09+010.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#000000;"> Tom my mentee. He is my good friend Jan's husband. I will be kicking his butt to train hard. He is actually a better rider than me. Will you change my flats?<br /><br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SZChBzNXTRI/AAAAAAAAAT0/Gf9hLD9FKXI/s1600-h/week+one+09+011.jpg"><span style="color:#000000;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300913813713276178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SZChBzNXTRI/AAAAAAAAAT0/Gf9hLD9FKXI/s320/week+one+09+011.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#000000;"> At the top. Gina, me, Tom and Cece.<br /><br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SZChBrPX7NI/AAAAAAAAATs/gU_6Y7L7UvQ/s1600-h/week+one+09+016.jpg"><span style="color:#000000;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300913811574222034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SZChBrPX7NI/AAAAAAAAATs/gU_6Y7L7UvQ/s320/week+one+09+016.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#000000;"> The girls are back. Me, Jan and Gina. </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">We are women, hear us roar.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300913825049501906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SZChCdcIYNI/AAAAAAAAAUE/rjRjKacoyrk/s320/week+one+09+002.jpg" border="0" />This is a mountain bike ride we did a couple of weeks earlier. That kicked my butt too. I hadn't been on my mountain bike in 6 years. I forgot how the gears worked.<br /><br /></span><div><span style="color:#000000;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300913829603267586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SZChCuZ1VAI/AAAAAAAAAUM/8IXB9nTNgyY/s320/week+one+09+004.jpg" border="0" /></span></div><br /><br /></div><br /><p align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">The boys on the bike ride. Jake the hot trainer, Tom and Frank.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="color:#000000;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300926597898684274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SZCsp8Arx3I/AAAAAAAAAUc/DQ8IZVREa7w/s320/week+one+09+006.jpg" border="0" /></span></p>The Purple Dragonflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256587778378191001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701623826609154779.post-64401404297544755792009-01-12T12:19:00.000-08:002009-01-16T15:44:22.195-08:00Lake Tahoe here I come...<div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;">And, the training never stops. I have registered for the Lake Tahoe century ride on June 7th. Official TNT training starts on February 7th. I will not be fundraising this time around, instead, I will be a mentor helping cyclists meet their goal.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292039689444660434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 260px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SXEaDyKeFNI/AAAAAAAAATE/7TWSKyJm8a4/s320/Christmas+2009+053.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"> Yes, I cut my hair again. It should be long by the ride.</span><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292039688845119106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SXEaDv7hzoI/AAAAAAAAAS8/yW0k4X8cV7A/s320/Christmas+2009+049.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p><span style="font-family:arial;">I will be training indoors for awhile until it warms up a bit. I think the dogs would rather me take them for a walk rather than ride on the trainer.</span> </p>The Purple Dragonflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256587778378191001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701623826609154779.post-6869365660828404722008-12-17T09:42:00.000-08:002009-01-12T12:50:30.709-08:00I Did It ~ El Tour de Tucson ~ November 22, 2008<div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SUlH8lWzCaI/AAAAAAAAAS0/H5fNLxikN4A/s1600-h/scan0002.jpg"><span style="color:#6600cc;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280831144214071714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 258px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SUlH8lWzCaI/AAAAAAAAAS0/H5fNLxikN4A/s320/scan0002.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#6600cc;"> </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#6600cc;">I Did It ~<br /><br />On November 22nd, 2008 I completed El Tour de Tucson. What an overwhelming experience. I started training for the endurance event in May 2008 when I could only go about 20 miles on a bike. While it took me an epic 10.5 hours to finish 100 miles, I can now say I have completed a century ride.<br /><br />I want to say thank you to everyone who supported me through this adventure. Part of my training with Team in Training was to raise a minimum of $2900 to support the efforts of the Leukemia and Lymphoma society. Well, thanks to wonderful family and friends I raised over $7200.<br /><br />The day of the event started out at 4:00am only because I could not sleep. I got up, stretched out and ate my oatmeal and almonds. I had to be at the hotel parking lot by 5:30am to ride down to the starting point with the rest of the team (17 all together). I was taken aback for a moment when we reached the starting point. I was in line with over 7200 other riders. The ride did not start until 7:00am so I had a “little” time to think about what was happening and get even more nervous about starting the ride and not falling. The national anthem was playing and the gun went off at exactly 7:00am. The “professional” line when first and then it was out turn. It was not as bad as I had anticipated. We even went by our hotel and Frank was there cheering us on.<br /><br />At 8 miles into the ride we had our first dry river crossing where we had to get off the bikes and carry them across the dirt. Once we were back on the road I was having a hard time peddling and I started to panic. I kept thinking that it should not be this hard 13 miles into the ride… Well, the queen of flats had a flat. Thank goodness I have great coaches; Ed came and changed it for me while Road Mom and my sister Heather waited with us. I was a little disheartened though…after he changed my tire we were the last riders on the road. Road Mom kept saying, “don’t worry, we won’t be the last ones at the finish line”.<br /><br />After that, the ride was great. Our pace was only about 12-16 miles an hour, but the ride was glorious. We did not stop at most of the rest stops, only because we didn’t need to. I met great people along the way especially other Team in Training riders from all over the country. As we would pass each other we would shout out “Go Team” ~ “Go San Diego” ~ “Go New Mexico” etc. All Team in Training participants had state names on the jerseys. We also had icons on our helmets to signify something from our state. Ours, of course, was a red chile.<br /><br />I hit a wall at 55 miles. I think I was just hot and hungry. I had been living on shot blocks and gels. We finally stopped and ate (we had a wonderful SAG and Frank was there too). When I finally got back on my bike, I looked at my shadow and saw the ribbons I was wearing and remembered why I was doing this. I was wearing ribbons in remembrance of those who had lost their battle with cancer. And, those ribbons got me through the next 45 miles. There were a lot more hills than I thought there were going to be. And, I only had to walk up one of them.<br />I started in the dark, and I finished in the dark. But, I finished. I had a good cry when I had only 10 miles left and new that I would be finishing. My emotions were everywhere that day, happy, sad, tired, elated, overwhelmed and more. When I checked my phone at the end, I had messages from lots of people who were thinking of me out there.<br /><br />Once again I want to thank everyone who donated yard sale items, bought jewelry and candles from me and gave money from your heart to a great cause. I exceeded my goal at $3800 and my company matched $3400 making me the largest fundraiser in New Mexico.<br /><br />I have plans to do it again next year in 8 hours or less. Who’s in with me?<br /><br />Love to all, XOXO<br />Chris</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280817929293989426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SUk77X8VBjI/AAAAAAAAARM/13Z2MPwdyGQ/s320/el+tour2+008.jpg" border="0" /></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#ff99ff;"><span style="color:#6600cc;">The Team in Training pasta party the night before</span>.<br /></span></div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280817954285032162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SUk781CqEuI/AAAAAAAAARk/g7TwVEtSLE4/s320/el+tour+018.jpg" border="0" /> </span><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280817962234225410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SUk79Sp5IwI/AAAAAAAAARs/G8lInHjrF84/s320/el+tour+022.jpg" border="0" /></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#6600cc;">Heather and I excited and nervous.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;"></span></div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280820022731952434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SUk91Om1UTI/AAAAAAAAAR0/15TdbnSbiOA/s320/el+tour+023.jpg" border="0" /></span> <p align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#6600cc;">Ready to roll at 5:00am.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280817936758294306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SUk77zv9RyI/AAAAAAAAARU/u7r35GQkdNk/s320/el+tour2+028.jpg" border="0" /> <span style="color:#6600cc;">7000 of my closest friends waiting with me at the start line.</span></span></p><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#6600cc;"></span></div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280817947263587474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SUk78a4nVJI/AAAAAAAAARc/5i_4JlRltic/s320/el+tour2+031.jpg" border="0" /></span> <p align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;"><span style="color:#ff99ff;"><span style="color:#6600cc;">The first river crossing... there were two of them.</span><br /></span><br /></span></p><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280820025216113858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SUk91X3GnMI/AAAAAAAAAR8/EuhUVy9xuac/s320/el+tour+027.jpg" border="0" /><br /></span><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#6600cc;">The best cheer leaders along the road.</span></div><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280820027476618690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SUk91gSDLcI/AAAAAAAAASE/s2sfgIA0HdU/s320/el+tour+029.jpg" border="0" /> </span><p align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#ff99ff;"><span style="color:#6600cc;">Do you see me?</span> </span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280831128845814018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SUlH7sGuCQI/AAAAAAAAASk/wgXA5xVnF6Q/s320/el+tour+048.jpg" border="0" /> </span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;"><span style="color:#ff99ff;"><span style="color:#6600cc;">The finish line with Ed, Heather and Debbie (Road Mom).</span><br /></span><br /></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280831115180596226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SUlH65MrXAI/AAAAAAAAASc/uykxyrsMwds/s320/el+tour+044.jpg" border="0" /><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;">Ed and I.<br /></span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280820048155079762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SUk92tULdFI/AAAAAAAAASU/lnbyEgq-OuY/s320/el+tour+041.jpg" border="0" /> Debbie and I.</span> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280820032913106338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SUk910iNZaI/AAAAAAAAASM/2P2bvjraIF8/s320/el+tour+038.jpg" border="0" /></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#6600cc;">We did it. Me, Heather, Jan and Elizabeth crossing the finish line.</span></p>The Purple Dragonflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256587778378191001noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701623826609154779.post-90213769584917565672008-11-19T08:39:00.000-08:002008-11-19T09:39:14.803-08:00Party Before the Ride<div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SSRI6fOo9oI/AAAAAAAAAQc/TFop0hg6g_I/s1600-h/partyjersey+016.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270417633582839426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SSRI6fOo9oI/AAAAAAAAAQc/TFop0hg6g_I/s320/partyjersey+016.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#cc0000;"> I had</span><span style="color:#cc0000;"> my company name put on the bottom of my jersey since they donated $3434.00. I also had a dragonfly embroidered on the shoulder. <br /></span><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /></div><div align="left">Friday the 14th, we had our "Bash", with all teammates before we leave for our ride on the 20th. The food was awesome, the company was wonderful and the energy high. Our team manager Kirsten distributed our jerseys and I have to say that my emotions were every where. I am a basket case because I am so nervous. Not worried... NERVOUS. </div><div align="left"> </div><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270411593266957506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SSRDa5THDMI/AAAAAAAAAPU/3LrFvlvVisw/s320/partyjersey+005.jpg" border="0" /><span style="color:#cc0000;">Jan & I with our mentor Gina.<br /></span><br /><div align="left">Our last ride was Saturday the 15th. It was a short taper ride to the Range in Bernalillo for breakfast. Jan and I rode to the starting point and got in a few more miles in. Since I did not ride the week before I wanted to to have a longer ride to make myself feel better. It is amazing to think how far everyone has come. I remember when we had our first 30 mile ride and I thought I was not going to make it. Now 30 miles seems like nothing. I hope I feel this way on Saturday. <br /></div><div align="left">Please pray for every one's safety. I will be there with my pose... Frank and the girls. I can't wait to cross the finish line jump into their arms. </div><div align="left"><br /> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270411586140205314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SSRDaev9cQI/AAAAAAAAAPM/Ifb3tRMR03A/s320/partyjersey+004.jpg" border="0" /></div><span style="color:#cc0000;">Us girls ready to ride...</span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;">Carla, Gina, LeeAnn, Jan, me, Tabitha, Elizabeth & Heather.</span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;">We are woman... Hear us Roar<br /></span><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270417620556901154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SSRI5utA6yI/AAAAAAAAAQM/TKHW_jSlnxs/s320/partyjersey+012.jpg" border="0" /><span style="color:#cc0000;">Carla & Scott at the Range.<br /></span><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270411571064203618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SSRDZmlj6WI/AAAAAAAAAO8/jglC2oLwVJ4/s320/partyjersey+002.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">The best coaches ~ Ed & Debbie.<br /></span><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270415071981155826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SSRGlYhNNfI/AAAAAAAAAPk/T8fSjrPBTKs/s320/partyjersey+007.jpg" border="0" /></p><span style="color:#cc0000;">The team at the Range.<br /></span><br /><p></p><p></p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270415081616954594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SSRGl8aj1OI/AAAAAAAAAPs/RbRDTIaUNYk/s320/partyjersey+008.jpg" border="0" /></p><span style="color:#cc0000;">Gina & Jan<br /></span><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270415084242630658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SSRGmGMkeAI/AAAAAAAAAP0/GnfAy1pmpRo/s320/partyjersey+010.jpg" border="0" /></p></div></div><br /></div><p align="center"><span style="color:#cc0000;">Elizabeth & Tom</span></p>The Purple Dragonflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256587778378191001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701623826609154779.post-56290675736955138162008-11-07T11:22:00.000-08:002008-11-07T13:48:13.507-08:00To The Tunnels<span style="font-family:arial;">The last couple of weeks have been hard on me because I have been sick. On Monday after our Tunnel Ride, I finally went to the doctor and found out I had a sinus infection and a double ear infection. I started taking meds this week and my ear infection is the only thing that has gone away. I have now developed a upper respiratory infection. I am panic mode because I only have two weeks until the ride and I feel like my body is not going to be ready. But, I also know that if I try and push myself too hard, I won't get better and be absolutely no good in Tuscon. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The decision I have to make is agonizing to some degree. My brain in saying you need to go and do the ride Saturday and do what you can. My body is saying stay in bed and do nothing. I have faith and determination that I will complete the ride, but the little voice of doubt is always there. <br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#cc0000;"><strong>The Tunnel Ride</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#cc0000;">God knew we were going to be out riding on Saturday and privided us with a beautiful day. It was a bit chilly to start out with in the morning, but by the time we arrived at San Isidro it had warmed up nicely. We only stayed at San Isidro for a brief time so we could continue our journey through Jemez to the <em>Gilman Tunnels</em>. For some reason I though the turn off to the tunnels was only a couple of miles out of San Isidro. NOT. We rode Jemez road for about 10 miles and the hills were plenty. I was doing well until I down shifted to go up one of the hills and my shoe came unclipped. Yes, it was on the steep part of the hill and because I couldn't clip back in I stopped. Do you know how hard it is to start again going uphill? Needless to say, I walked my bike to little flatter place so I could start again. We rode through the Red Rock rest area and the smell of fry bread was enough to make me want to stop. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#cc0000;">When we got to the turn off to the tunnels, Debbie had us get off the bikes and walk carrying them for a little ways. There are two dry river beds in Tucson we will have to walk through. The road to the tunnels was absolutely gorgeous... The leaves were changing colors all around us giving us a beautiful landscape to look at. We even ran into horses in the road "just hanging out". Nick showed me a tarantula crawling about. I also thought the road to the tunnels was a bit flatter. NOT. It was a gradual incline the majority of the way with a couple of steep hills in between. At the tunnels we were able to refuel and take pictures. Thanks to everyone for their support.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#cc0000;">I definately want to do this ride again. And, this time without a sinus infection.</span> <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SRSry0pNppI/AAAAAAAAAOU/IdnwA3fLOuk/s1600-h/hallow+weel+23+019.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266022753916266130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SRSry0pNppI/AAAAAAAAAOU/IdnwA3fLOuk/s320/hallow+weel+23+019.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SRSrycaOCnI/AAAAAAAAAOM/AhNtDaXGhk0/s1600-h/hallow+weel+23+018.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266022747410926194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SRSrycaOCnI/AAAAAAAAAOM/AhNtDaXGhk0/s320/hallow+weel+23+018.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SRSryIqC_qI/AAAAAAAAAOE/YSw8cNp1AmU/s1600-h/hallow+weel+23+017.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266022742108602018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SRSryIqC_qI/AAAAAAAAAOE/YSw8cNp1AmU/s320/hallow+weel+23+017.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SRSYnSZYYvI/AAAAAAAAAN8/d2fA5kKBNy0/s1600-h/hallow+weel+23+016.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266001665023566578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SRSYnSZYYvI/AAAAAAAAAN8/d2fA5kKBNy0/s320/hallow+weel+23+016.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SRSYm1xMhbI/AAAAAAAAAN0/2Wons3dqLMA/s1600-h/hallow+weel+23+014.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266001657338824114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SRSYm1xMhbI/AAAAAAAAAN0/2Wons3dqLMA/s320/hallow+weel+23+014.jpg" border="0" /></a> A river running through...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SRSYmjjA6TI/AAAAAAAAANs/fzNw4KlemAg/s1600-h/hallow+weel+23+013.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266001652447504690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SRSYmjjA6TI/AAAAAAAAANs/fzNw4KlemAg/s320/hallow+weel+23+013.jpg" border="0" /></a> Walking the bikes.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SRSYmQ4mrkI/AAAAAAAAANk/Bt2LkrRFSdY/s1600-h/hallow+weel+23+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266001647437786690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SRSYmQ4mrkI/AAAAAAAAANk/Bt2LkrRFSdY/s320/hallow+weel+23+002.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SRSYmKs_2JI/AAAAAAAAANc/cSNs5TM9LUU/s1600-h/hallow+weel+23+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266001645778491538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SRSYmKs_2JI/AAAAAAAAANc/cSNs5TM9LUU/s320/hallow+weel+23+001.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266022760527933234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SRSrzNRjrzI/AAAAAAAAAOc/lcRG1AEzcJQ/s320/hallow+weel+23+020.jpg" border="0" /></div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266022763825850626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SRSrzZj16QI/AAAAAAAAAOk/VoMK8yyyH0A/s320/hallow+weel+23+021.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>The Purple Dragonflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256587778378191001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701623826609154779.post-89461947320198793092008-10-22T15:37:00.000-07:002008-10-23T10:02:01.612-07:00Week 21 ~ Winds of Change Part IILast's weeks windy ride turned into this weeks beautiful ride. Total miles... 72.5. Total hours on the saddle 6-ish.<br /><br /><br />I have learned to look at this time as my own. How often is it that I have 6+ hours to myself. Time to think. Think about what you ask?<br /><br /><ul><li>Chores I need to get done when I get home</li><li>Getting the girls ready for what ever event is coming up</li><li>Who I need to call</li><li>Reminding myself what I need to read for bible study</li><li>Am I going to make it back to my car from the ride</li><li>The election (can't wait until it is over)</li><li>Dinner</li><li>The things I have negligted since starting training</li><li>Sleep</li><li>Nothing</li><li>Why I'm doing the ride</li><li>My wonderful family</li></ul><p>But, when I get back to my car reality once again sets in. I get my messages on my cell phone "Mom, when are you coming home?", "Mom, do you know where my flat iron is? Call me", "Mom, where are you. Are you going to be home soon. I miss you.", "Mom, can I go to my friends?" The never ending story of kids. And, I wouldn't have it any other way. They have sacraficed just as much or more when I am gone on Saturdays. </p><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SP-tbfDdX5I/AAAAAAAAAL4/GiJ9eHT74Fo/s1600-h/bike+week+21+006.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260113577496108946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SP-tbfDdX5I/AAAAAAAAAL4/GiJ9eHT74Fo/s320/bike+week+21+006.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SP-tbiNZ-NI/AAAAAAAAAMA/no1OwN1P_GA/s1600-h/bike+week+21+007.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260113578343135442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SP-tbiNZ-NI/AAAAAAAAAMA/no1OwN1P_GA/s320/bike+week+21+007.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SP-tb2TkSgI/AAAAAAAAAMI/41uM9weunxk/s1600-h/bike+week+21+008.jpg"></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SP-tcJaQ41I/AAAAAAAAAMQ/wxlXCh4GHxY/s1600-h/bike+week+21+010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260113588866048850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SP-tcJaQ41I/AAAAAAAAAMQ/wxlXCh4GHxY/s320/bike+week+21+010.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SP-tcRgj9AI/AAAAAAAAAMY/yoDoxPZp_yk/s1600-h/bike+week+21+009.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260113591039947778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SP-tcRgj9AI/AAAAAAAAAMY/yoDoxPZp_yk/s320/bike+week+21+009.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260113920039313490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SP-tvbIH4FI/AAAAAAAAAMg/4SFhoG8lKoI/s320/bike+week+21+012.jpg" border="0" /></div>We stopped at Camping World twice during our ride to rest and eat lunch. It was nice to stop some place with an nice area to sit and relax. My friend Aaron works there. He is my bible study leader and really kind person. Jan and I see every week.The Purple Dragonflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256587778378191001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701623826609154779.post-55379062475975349652008-10-13T15:12:00.000-07:002008-10-13T15:35:19.602-07:00Week 20 ~ Winds of Change<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256769528115035458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 391px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 291px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="255" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SPPMCMVk_UI/AAAAAAAAALQ/tPpG6321Nl0/s320/bike+week+20+024.jpg" width="371" border="0" /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SPPMC_FoT5I/AAAAAAAAALw/wF2XChwxpQA/s1600-h/bike+week+20+024.jpg"></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#006600;">As Road Mom said... "The winds huffed and they puffed and they blew our ride away".</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#006600;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#006600;">We made it 13 miles before the ride was called off. The weather man predicted a storm coming, but we didn't want to believe him. Well, we fought our way uphill against 25 mile an hour winds. I think my top speed was 9mph. It took us 1.5 hours to get in the 13 miles. I have to say it was a bit scary at times when we had gusts coming at us at 30-50mph. While I would have continued on the ride, I was glad it was called off. We made it back to our starting point in 30 minutes. Sure does help when you have a tail wind. We made it back just in time as the storm came with a fury. Sheets of rain were coming down.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#006600;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#006600;"><span style="font-family:arial;">The road we were on is called Universe. It is the Double Eagle Airport 2 lane road. As you can see from the pictures, there is nothing out there.</span> </span></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256769527961333650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SPPMCLw7r5I/AAAAAAAAALY/H_If9wIHzbI/s320/bike+week+20+025.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center">The two best coaches... Ed and Road Mom (Debbie)</div><div align="center"> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256769531022873650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SPPMCXK3FDI/AAAAAAAAALg/pxC2xH0AawM/s320/bike+week+20+026.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center">The clouds looming... they only got worse.</div><div> </div>The Purple Dragonflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256587778378191001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701623826609154779.post-57552114608054538172008-10-07T10:54:00.000-07:002008-10-07T10:55:23.922-07:00<div><embed src="http://widget-5b.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=1657324662891898203&site=widget-5b.slide.com" style="width:400px;height:320px" name="flashticker" align="middle"></embed><div style="width:400px;text-align:left;"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=1657324662891898203&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-5b.slide.com/p1/1657324662891898203/bb_t028_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=1657324662891898203&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-5b.slide.com/p2/1657324662891898203/bb_t028_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=1657324662891898203&map=F" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-5b.slide.com/p4/1657324662891898203/bb_t028_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a></div></div>The Purple Dragonflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256587778378191001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701623826609154779.post-48233091678624175012008-10-07T08:25:00.000-07:002008-10-07T11:10:06.394-07:00Week 19 ~ Beautiful.. BDOTB<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SOuBQXqpqgI/AAAAAAAAAKw/0zX0pxHDmkY/s1600-h/bike+week+18+037.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254435508488612354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 420px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 278px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="258" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SOuBQXqpqgI/AAAAAAAAAKw/0zX0pxHDmkY/s320/bike+week+18+037.jpg" width="392" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SOuBQxE2bHI/AAAAAAAAAK4/yG2ZKYGUIvU/s1600-h/bike+week+18+040.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254435515309386866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 410px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 274px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="255" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SOuBQxE2bHI/AAAAAAAAAK4/yG2ZKYGUIvU/s320/bike+week+18+040.jpg" width="382" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SOuBQwg7HNI/AAAAAAAAALA/DljE1lTu8Bs/s1600-h/bike+week+18+051.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254435515158699218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 396px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 282px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="273" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SOuBQwg7HNI/AAAAAAAAALA/DljE1lTu8Bs/s320/bike+week+18+051.jpg" width="377" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SOuBROaWVUI/AAAAAAAAALI/vQ_d20nDyE8/s1600-h/bike+week+18+052.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254435523184186690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 393px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 289px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="272" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SOuBROaWVUI/AAAAAAAAALI/vQ_d20nDyE8/s320/bike+week+18+052.jpg" width="375" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The weather was perfect, the scenery was beautiful, confidence was there... but it wasn't in the cards. BDOTB stands for Bad Day On The Bike. The ride took us from Tramway and Montgomery to the top of Placitas. I didn't realize that Placitas was all uphill, but it was. And, the body was having none of it. I had to keep stopping the let my cramps subside and then continue. On the last rest stop I lost my balance and fell to my left without having my left foot unclipped. I thought "No Big Deal, get up and get going". Well, the clip of my shoe broke and I couldn't clip back in. I was done for the day. Frank was SAGging and we had no cell reception for him to come and get me. So Ed and I started walking to the top. I was only about 2 miles away. We were gone so long that everyone ahead of me started coming back down the hill. I got in the car and cheered everyone else on. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">It was one to to avoid going back up the Tramway Hill. I can't avoid it forever. Thanks to Ed for sticking with me. I kept telling him to "Just Go and get Frank". He said "<span style="color:#ff0000;">NO</span>". </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">With only 45 days left to train I am feeling a bit panicked. I will be missing this weekends ride so it will be up to my to get my training in. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Congratulations to everyone who completed this past weekend's ride. You guys are awesome. Enjoy some pictures from the ride my kids took. <br /></span>The Purple Dragonflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256587778378191001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701623826609154779.post-25671289773006516732008-10-02T08:38:00.000-07:002008-10-02T09:49:12.500-07:00Week 18 ~ Lessons Learned<div align="center"> <span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#990000;">In order to succeed, Your desire for success </span><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#990000;">should be greater than your fear of failure.</span></div><br /><br /><div align="center">Bill Cosby</div><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#cc33cc;">Feeling more and more confident every week, I woke up early and got ready. Our ride started at 8:00 instead of 7:30 so I had extra time to relax, stretch and eat breakfast while I waited for Jan to pick me up. I kissed the girls goodbye and loaded up. Jan picked up the “tool box” Frank put together for me and started taking it to the truck. I foolishly said “let’s not take that today. We are going on a short ride and I have new tires. I won’t need anything”. <br /><br />We started out on our “short” 47 mile through Los Lunas from the Tingly Beach train station and took the bike path until we reached the highway. For those of you who are not familiar with Tingly Beach, it is a stocked pond off of Old Route 66 (Central). The train goes between the Botanical Gardens and the Zoo. The beach has no waves washing ashore nor can you do any body boarding. It is a place to go and have a picnic with your family and while trying to catch a couple of fish. <br /><br />I have always liked the bike path. The leaves on the trees are starting to turn so the scenery was great to look at. When we got to the highway, the scenery turned a bit brown and boring. Eleven miles into the ride the flat queen got a flat. I heard the “phish” going up the overpass and tried to ignore the noises the tire was making trying to repair itself. We rode to the nearest gas station and sure enough it needed to be changed. Well, I didn’t’ have anything… no tube, no tools only a co2 cartridge. Why would I need tools, I had new tires and tubes? LeeAnn gave me a tube, Nick changed the tire and Tom pumped it up because he did not want to use my cartridge for fear of freezing his hand.<br /><br />We were off again and about 5 miles later Ed got a flat. We waited for him to change his tire and finally got to our official rest stop in Los Lunas. We didn’t stay long as we were already rested up. We trekked through Los Lunas. A bit scary at times because there are no bike lanes or shoulders to ride on. The cars didn’t seem to care we were there and drove very close to us at times. We finally made it to the road going back to Albuquerque. The road was a nice flat with one hill. I kept telling myself this is easy and tried to keep my speed at 16-18mph. Well, I was struggling. Why, Why, Why, I don’t know. The peddling was hard and butt was aching. Rides like this should be easy and rewarding. We rested at the Walmart on Coors and Rio Bravo. When we started out again, Tom M said, “your back tire looks low”. NOOOOOOO Yes, I had another flat. I rode approximately 10-12 miles on a back flat tire. No wonder I was struggling. When we returned to the bike path Nick pumped up the back tire and I made it back to the car. <br /><br />Needless to say I was frustrated. I was mad at myself for being too confident and not having any tools with me. It does not matter what kind of tires you get or how much goo you have in the tubes, you have to be prepared with spare parts. I will ready this weekend.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252591410932970658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SOT0Dw7tdKI/AAAAAAAAAKo/PuK87b0QzCE/s320/image002.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><p></p><div align="center">Our route starting at point "A".<br /></div><p></p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SOTsXSubvCI/AAAAAAAAAJw/Ih2Rc1wzBDk/s1600-h/bike+18+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252582950328581154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SOTsXSubvCI/AAAAAAAAAJw/Ih2Rc1wzBDk/s320/bike+18+001.jpg" border="0" /></a> Heather and I getting ready to ride out.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SOTsXqX01lI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/4L5NAHvE8Sw/s1600-h/bike+18+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252582956676208210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SOTsXqX01lI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/4L5NAHvE8Sw/s320/bike+18+002.jpg" border="0" /></a> Waiting for Ed.</p><p align="center"><br /></p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SOTsXz8gfAI/AAAAAAAAAKA/PlSFnhDM8nI/s1600-h/bike+18+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252582959245982722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SOTsXz8gfAI/AAAAAAAAAKA/PlSFnhDM8nI/s320/bike+18+003.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a>The road we came from.</p><p align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SOTsX9D0BgI/AAAAAAAAAKI/h_pSEff9S_I/s1600-h/bike+18+004.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252582961692542466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SOTsX9D0BgI/AAAAAAAAAKI/h_pSEff9S_I/s320/bike+18+004.jpg" border="0" /></a>Scenery while waiting. </p><p align="center"><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SOTsYQ62uII/AAAAAAAAAKQ/CDeB6y8mKlM/s1600-h/bike+18+005.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252582967023679618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SOTsYQ62uII/AAAAAAAAAKQ/CDeB6y8mKlM/s320/bike+18+005.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252583168367442850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SOTsj--8u6I/AAAAAAAAAKY/WP7zIRSya08/s320/bike+18+007.jpg" border="0" /></div><p align="center">The bike path going back to the car.</p>The Purple Dragonflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256587778378191001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701623826609154779.post-72322859050578749272008-09-23T09:09:00.000-07:002008-09-23T11:51:50.573-07:00Weeks 16 & 17<div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;">Here are two weeks worth of updates. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Week 16 ~ we rode 55 miles out to the San Felipe Casino. I like this ride mostly because I am familiar with it and I am comfortable with it. The ride was a good for me because I had to get out of my comfort zone as we rode in a pace line. Since I am semi claustrophobic I had to learn to trust my fellow riders who were on my wheel and I had to trust my self to get close to the person in front of me. We stayed at a pace of about 12-15mph. I think we could have gone faster, but because we were staying together the pace was a bit slower. Not that I minded. It was a great ride to bond with teammates I had not had a chance to talk to. Gina was behind me for at least 10 miles and we were chatting about kids… age, activities and our age. The whole time we were chatting, I thought she was Leanne. Yes, I felt like an idiot. Something both Gina and I will never forget.<br /><br />This was also the last ride for our Honolulu team before they left… lucky dogs. So we bid them farewell at the end of our ride to be safe and have fun in the sun.</span> </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249254796146955442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SNkZbOPa1LI/AAAAAAAAAIg/6mPK9db7U8I/s320/bike+16-17+001.jpg" border="0" /> </p><p><span style="font-family:arial;"></span> </p><p><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Team photo minus a few riders like Heather, Elizabeth and Scott. This shot includes our wonderful coaches and mentors.</span><br /></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249254812968491474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SNkZcM5_GdI/AAAAAAAAAIo/5qIbtFD9N9A/s320/bike+16-17+002.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;">This is a shot of our bikes. By the time we reach our half way point destination, we are glad to prop our bikes up and fuel up with the food and drink we brought.</span> </p><p align="center"></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;">Week 17 ~</span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;">I had been avoiding the hilly mountain rides the last couple of times the team went out. So I knew for personal reasons I had to go to this one. Destination – Moriority via Old Route 66, which means you have to go up Sedillo Hill (map is below). I woke up early and confident. It takes 45-60 minutes to get to the starting point of Tramway and Central so I had everything ready the night before.</span> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249259052260661106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 567px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 252px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="183" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SNkdS9gAF3I/AAAAAAAAAIw/cxavLED7xKI/s320/image001.jpg" width="430" border="0" /><span style="font-family:arial;">The reddish balloon on the far left side of the map is where we started. We followed the thick yellow line all the way to the big red dot. Sedillo Hill is the point on the yellow line. The red lines on the right of map is the route we went a couple of weeks agon when we went to Stanley then Moriority. Notice that the hills are minimal on the Stanley route. This ride had hills both ways.<br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;">The first mistake I made was thinking I could start strong and fast. A few riders left the parking lot a little ahead of me and I wanted to catch up and be with the "fast" group. Well, when you start behind a group of strong riders catching up to them in hard. Not only did we start the ride going uphill, we had no warm up, and we had a headwind of about 15-18 miles per hour. Five miles into the ride I was already feeling winded and my thighs were starting ache. The fast group was no where to be seen. So I decided that I would just go at a nice easy pace. Then the others riders that started behind me caught up and passed me. So now my confidence was dwindling. When I reached the rest spot at the top of Sedillo Hill, my behind had shooting pains on the right side. I think I pulled a muscle trying to stay fast going up the hills. I also started to cramp on my left side. I tought about getting into the SAG car going into Moriority because I didn't think my butt would survive another 15 miles. I did end up riding into Moriority</span><span style="font-family:arial;">. Again, the last rider coming in. Coach Clyde stayed with me and I just felt terrible that he had to go "slow" on the downhills. </span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;">The Moriority truck stop was a welcome sight. I ate my peanut butter and marshmellow sandwich Bailey made for me and the oranges we cut up the night before. I drank my Rockstar energy drink, I gelled up and even had a couple of shot blocks. I stretched as much as I could to get the cramp out of my left side and get my butt feeling like I could get on saddle for another 25 miles. Again, I started out good and strong. I stayed with the pack. I made it half way back to Sedillo Hill and the cramps started up again. All I could think about is "how much further". So I wimped out and got in the SAG car. I was determined not to ride in the car all the way back. So in Tijeras I got back on the bike. Tijeras was dedicating a Veterans Memorial on that day so there were tons of people in the roads as well as motorcycles. The park had a military helicopter land and two F-16’s did a fly over. </span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;">I made it back to the parking lot. You would think that if you had a headwinds all the way out, you would have tailwinds coming home. But NO. The headwinds coming back were just as miserable. I was happy that it was mostly downhill on the way back. </span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;">We will start increasing our milage this week. So far the longest I have done is 65 miles. This week it should go up to 70-75. I also realized that I had been getting by not doing a whole lot during the week. No extra ride, no stair machine and no spin bike. If I want to be stronger I need to workout during the week. I paid dearly this past week for not doing anything. I will not let it happen again.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249277714839974498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SNkuRRBpMmI/AAAAAAAAAI4/MJ2URL4LEcY/s320/bike+16-17+003.jpg" border="0" /></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;">Ed, Nick, Jan, Diane (SAG driver), Courtney and Clyde getting ready to ride.</span><br /></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249277729589829874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SNkuSH-SIPI/AAAAAAAAAJA/o6FLcetyJTo/s320/bike+16-17+004.jpg" border="0" /></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;">Jan and I trying to get warm.</span><br /></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249277731838255250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SNkuSQWWYJI/AAAAAAAAAJI/qCrP_P3pYVw/s320/bike+16-17+005.jpg" border="0" /></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;">Moriority truck stop. I-40 is our view.</span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249277744156646578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 461px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 248px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="228" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SNkuS-PSHLI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/np57IojCJOY/s320/bike+16-17+006.jpg" width="399" border="0" /></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;">Sedillo Hill going east. No words needed. Click on the button to get a better view.</span></p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249277752425829682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SNkuTdCz1TI/AAAAAAAAAJY/onh1p2w2Ouk/s320/bike+16-17+023.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-family:arial;">Going downhill from Sedillo Hill west.</span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249280823843289122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SNkxGO9y-CI/AAAAAAAAAJo/jb_46j_YWxg/s320/bike+16-17+026.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-family:arial;">Bikes along the road in Tijeras. They were everywhere.</span><br /></p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249280808206146322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SNkxFUtnGxI/AAAAAAAAAJg/kB2XLvINuFA/s320/bike+16-17+024.jpg" border="0" /></p><span style="font-family:arial;">The semi is actually on I-40. Since Route 66 is parallel to I-40 we could see it most of the way. Don't the clouds look cool. The ride is actually pretty boring when it comes to scenery. This is the highlight.</span>The Purple Dragonflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256587778378191001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701623826609154779.post-87621513377954960102008-09-11T13:06:00.000-07:002008-09-11T13:23:44.632-07:00Week 15 ~ Easy Week<span style="color:#993399;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I have been plagued with sinus headaches the past week so I decided not to go on the group ride on Saturday. I did meet up with Heather on Sunday for an easy 30 mile ride on the bosque. We started at 6:30am. Although it was a bit chilly, I welcomed the cool weather. When I got home I was feeling guilty that I didn't do any hills. So, I ventured out behind our house and climbed a long hill a couple of times for a little interval training. This coming week we are going back to the Hollywood Casino. It will be an easy 55 miles</span>.</span><br /><span style="color:#993399;"></span><br /><span style="color:#993399;"></span><br /><span style="color:#993399;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244861487796725634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SMl9vBRAJ4I/AAAAAAAAAII/4X6mmiKGF10/s320/bike+001.jpg" border="0" /></span><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#993399;">Morning Sunrise as we are getting ready for the ride.</span></div><span style="color:#993399;"></span><br /><span style="color:#993399;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244861504404025346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SMl9v_IfcAI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/j1FO95FA064/s320/bike+003.jpg" border="0" /></span><br /><span style="color:#993399;"></span><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#993399;">Heather at Tingly.</span></div><span style="color:#993399;"></span><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#993399;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244861516577659362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qj6TPC6-SNM/SMl9wse6WeI/AAAAAAAAAIY/OVqhS_kI9uI/s320/bike+004.jpg" border="0" /></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#993399;">Me at Tingley.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#993399;"></span> </div>The Purple Dragonflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256587778378191001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701623826609154779.post-6539625752998839022008-09-02T10:28:00.001-07:002008-09-02T10:45:24.744-07:00Week 14 ~ 65 miles in the mountains<span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color:#993399;"><strong>Well, after a few bumps in the road, I managed to finish the 65 mile ride.</strong></span> The ride took us from Frost Road and North 14 (in the Sandia Mountains) to Stanley then to Moriority and back. While it was mostly flats, the last 10 miles was climbing 2400 feet of elevation. There was a couple of times where I was ready to get into the SAG car. I managed to get a flat on the way back to Stanely. The goo in the tire kept trying to seal, but to no avail. I ended up changing it. I will be looking into thicker tires this week. I am tired of changing tires and my team mates I'm sure are tired of waiting for me.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The ride took us through some beautiful landscape... llamas, sunflowers and corn fields. The road from Stanley to Moriorty was full of grasshoppers. It was really gross knowing I must have run over more than 100. Not only did we go through grasshopper road kill, but we also saw snakes, rabbits and dead birds.</span> <br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I am really starting to enjoy and look forward to my training rides on Saturdays. One reason is knowing that I am getting stronger. While my body size has not changed, knowing that the heart is getting healthier is good enough for me. I sign recommitment paperwork this week and I am very close to my fundraising goal. Please take the time and donate to get me there. Just click on the link on the side bar. Thanks to everyone who has supported me this far. Don't forget, you are not only supporting me, you and helping aid in cancer rearch and care. All donations are tax deductible. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Love to all, XOXO.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Check out the pictures below.</span>The Purple Dragonflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256587778378191001noreply@blogger.com0