Still wearing pigtails to ride. No bell bottoms though.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
NCAC 2010 over already?
Phew. What a whirlwind (sometimes quite literally!).
Here's just one quick shot from the end of the ride at the Capitol building. More coming. I haven't had the chance to upload my own photos yet!
So fun that my dad and brother were able to come along this year!
Here's just one quick shot from the end of the ride at the Capitol building. More coming. I haven't had the chance to upload my own photos yet!
So fun that my dad and brother were able to come along this year!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
And we're off!
Thank you for all your superb supprt! I'm off for a good night's sleep and an early start.
See you in about 330 miles!
See you in about 330 miles!
Ride Ataxia, Northern California 2010
What a ride!
Difficult, inspiring, gorgeous. Not a lot of photos, but great memories.
Starting off in the a.m. -- all ready to get my bundle of nerves on the road. Sacramento to Grass Valley. All uphill.
Some folks spent the night up in Grass Valley and rode home the next day (in what also looks like a challenging ride). Here they are collecting the overnight bags.
Kyle saying a few words before we take off. He expressed his gratitude at everyone supporting this ride. He said that after his diagnosis, he and his family felt very alone. Now he feels like he has a community of supporters. He also said that when he's pedaling, he reminds himself to just keep going -- that he has a goal and all he has to do is keep moving to get there. He analogized that to Ataxia research -- the scientists know where they want to go and they are getting the means to get there, they just have to stay the course and work together and a cure/treatment will be in sight.
Minus the telephone wires, a lovely view of the Sac valley.
This is kind of difficult to read, but it says that on May 16 (the day after this ride), there will be no parking due to the "Tour of California" bike race. As I climbed up this hill, I laughed at those wimpy professional cyclists who would be riding down the same hill the following day.
One of only a few downhills for the day. I would not want to be climbing up the other way -- in all fairness, the wimpy professional cyclists had to take this hill the hard way. There was a troupe of cyclists coming up this road of switch-backs and one-lane bridges as I was riding down. Suckers.
I made it! And was greeted by chainsaw-art!
The lovely group who were welcoming the cyclists in -- I was the 5th person to come in and the FIRST girl! Woo-hoo! The group after us came in about 20+ minutes after I did.
Great group of crew -- most of whom had a personal connection with the ride and were supporting a friend or relative who has ataxia. It was pretty powerful to hear all their stories and reasons.
Secret of a fun-loving crew:
Yup -- they were chugging some cold ones during their shift.
Like I said. Not so many pictures. But here are a couple of my Uncle Tom, in whose honor I did this ride. I'm happy that I could do it and thank all that is holy that I am healthy enough to take on these feats year after year. There but for the grace of God . . .
Difficult, inspiring, gorgeous. Not a lot of photos, but great memories.
Starting off in the a.m. -- all ready to get my bundle of nerves on the road. Sacramento to Grass Valley. All uphill.
Some folks spent the night up in Grass Valley and rode home the next day (in what also looks like a challenging ride). Here they are collecting the overnight bags.
Kyle saying a few words before we take off. He expressed his gratitude at everyone supporting this ride. He said that after his diagnosis, he and his family felt very alone. Now he feels like he has a community of supporters. He also said that when he's pedaling, he reminds himself to just keep going -- that he has a goal and all he has to do is keep moving to get there. He analogized that to Ataxia research -- the scientists know where they want to go and they are getting the means to get there, they just have to stay the course and work together and a cure/treatment will be in sight.
Minus the telephone wires, a lovely view of the Sac valley.
This is kind of difficult to read, but it says that on May 16 (the day after this ride), there will be no parking due to the "Tour of California" bike race. As I climbed up this hill, I laughed at those wimpy professional cyclists who would be riding down the same hill the following day.
One of only a few downhills for the day. I would not want to be climbing up the other way -- in all fairness, the wimpy professional cyclists had to take this hill the hard way. There was a troupe of cyclists coming up this road of switch-backs and one-lane bridges as I was riding down. Suckers.
I made it! And was greeted by chainsaw-art!
The lovely group who were welcoming the cyclists in -- I was the 5th person to come in and the FIRST girl! Woo-hoo! The group after us came in about 20+ minutes after I did.
Great group of crew -- most of whom had a personal connection with the ride and were supporting a friend or relative who has ataxia. It was pretty powerful to hear all their stories and reasons.Secret of a fun-loving crew:
Yup -- they were chugging some cold ones during their shift.Like I said. Not so many pictures. But here are a couple of my Uncle Tom, in whose honor I did this ride. I'm happy that I could do it and thank all that is holy that I am healthy enough to take on these feats year after year. There but for the grace of God . . .
Monday, May 17, 2010
"We'll save so much money on ice"
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Don't hate me because I'm beautiful
I know when you think of me, you automatically think, "MARY KAY" right? I know. Me too. I went to a Mary Kay make-up party and did done got made up. Actually, I had to put on the make-ups myself and I had to ask the nice Mary Kay lady what all the stuff was.
I felt like I was washing make-up off for the next two days, but it was worth it -- a great afternoon of friends and fun and traditional African food (thanks to Comfort!).
Val-der-i
A lovely little hike in a hidden park in the East Bay. I hadn't heard of the Wildcat Canyon in Alvarado Park before (Richmond, CA), but it's an amazing place with 360 degree views of the bay area -- we could see the SF skyline perfectly on this clear day (only a little hazy).
I was babysitting this little corgi, who took a nap to get ready for what turned into an 8-mile hike.
Melis trying to convince her giganto pup to jump into the cows' watering trough. Made me glad I'm not a cow, but I was glad that it gave all the dogs a chance to get a little drink. I have a lot to learn about packing for a hike while babysitting a dog.
There he goes.
Ripley looked tiny all day, but especially here -- the big dogs walked up to the side of the trough to get water, but I had to lift Ripley up to the side so she could drink.
Melis and linus heading up hill. This hike had lots and lots of hills and I just kept thinking how glad I was that I did not have to ride up them.
A randomly placed palm tree. I always suspect non-native Californians of being the property owners when I see palm trees in weird places. Everyone thinks that California is a land of oceans, warm weather, and palm trees. When they get here and realized that's not the case, they go about changing that.
And here is a little seven month old corgi -- all ears and paws. Ripley didn't care much for it, even though I sort of willed her to go play with the puppy. The women walking the puppy asked me how old Ripley was when she got to be full grown. I did what I always do when someone asks me a question about someone else's dog: I made something up.
The dogs found this water/mud hole to cool off in. You can see that linus (the black dog on the left) is laying down on the floor of mud hole and trying to cool his black body (quite a hot day).
As I was not driving my own car home, I told Ripley she could go too. You can see her here -- as the other dogs were laying down, Ripley was swimming. She couldn't reach the bottom with her little tiny legs.
She pretty much spent the whole drive home either like this or with her face pressed up against the a/c vent.
And when we got home . . . she was not allowed to come in side until she had a bath. Apparently dogs don't like to be hosed down on the deck and rubbed with kitty shampoo. She smelled like such a pretty kitty when she was all done though.
Kitty.
I was babysitting this little corgi, who took a nap to get ready for what turned into an 8-mile hike.
Melis trying to convince her giganto pup to jump into the cows' watering trough. Made me glad I'm not a cow, but I was glad that it gave all the dogs a chance to get a little drink. I have a lot to learn about packing for a hike while babysitting a dog.
There he goes.
Ripley looked tiny all day, but especially here -- the big dogs walked up to the side of the trough to get water, but I had to lift Ripley up to the side so she could drink.
Melis and linus heading up hill. This hike had lots and lots of hills and I just kept thinking how glad I was that I did not have to ride up them.
A randomly placed palm tree. I always suspect non-native Californians of being the property owners when I see palm trees in weird places. Everyone thinks that California is a land of oceans, warm weather, and palm trees. When they get here and realized that's not the case, they go about changing that.
And here is a little seven month old corgi -- all ears and paws. Ripley didn't care much for it, even though I sort of willed her to go play with the puppy. The women walking the puppy asked me how old Ripley was when she got to be full grown. I did what I always do when someone asks me a question about someone else's dog: I made something up.
The dogs found this water/mud hole to cool off in. You can see that linus (the black dog on the left) is laying down on the floor of mud hole and trying to cool his black body (quite a hot day).
As I was not driving my own car home, I told Ripley she could go too. You can see her here -- as the other dogs were laying down, Ripley was swimming. She couldn't reach the bottom with her little tiny legs.
She pretty much spent the whole drive home either like this or with her face pressed up against the a/c vent.
And when we got home . . . she was not allowed to come in side until she had a bath. Apparently dogs don't like to be hosed down on the deck and rubbed with kitty shampoo. She smelled like such a pretty kitty when she was all done though.
Kitty.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Breakaway!
The Amgen Tour of California decided that pro-cyclists are not the only ones who should have to suffer through some of the hardest hills in Northern California and the put on the Amgen Breakaway Ride. The ride raises money for cancer (I know what you're thinking: 1) I am not asking you for money and 2) I didn't even do this ride), though I suspect they keep a fair amount for themselves. It's just a guess.
Very very dedicated cyclists Emily and Joaquin trained for and completed this ride, along with pro George Hincapie. 114 miles. A gagillion feet of climbing. And rest stops that had crappy food and no water. Oh, AND, they paid a hundred and a lot of dollars to ride.
I just took a few photos and then went off on a hike.
Can you see the nerves bubbling up from the inside out?
Joaquin is on the the left here. Staring down George. Better watch out, George. Joaquin is after you.
Still had an extra smile for the camera though.
I snuck up on the photo-staging area where on-lookers could go have their photo taken with the pro. I think he looks a little smug, but when you're that fast, I guess you're entitled.
Emily staring down Joaquin, who is staring down George. The pecking order.
Also has an extra smile. Hopefully not the last one of the day.
On your mark.
I don't think you can see this very well, but it's all the cyclists as they round the corner of Davis's Central Park and head out for 6-10 hours of riding. It was a pretty exhilerating site, perhaps lost to my Nikon-special.
With the cyclists cleared out, the staging area loses some of its glamour.
Emily at the end. Still standing AND smiling. Remarkable.
Very very dedicated cyclists Emily and Joaquin trained for and completed this ride, along with pro George Hincapie. 114 miles. A gagillion feet of climbing. And rest stops that had crappy food and no water. Oh, AND, they paid a hundred and a lot of dollars to ride.
I just took a few photos and then went off on a hike.
Can you see the nerves bubbling up from the inside out?
Joaquin is on the the left here. Staring down George. Better watch out, George. Joaquin is after you.
Still had an extra smile for the camera though.
I snuck up on the photo-staging area where on-lookers could go have their photo taken with the pro. I think he looks a little smug, but when you're that fast, I guess you're entitled.
Emily staring down Joaquin, who is staring down George. The pecking order.
Also has an extra smile. Hopefully not the last one of the day.
On your mark.
I don't think you can see this very well, but it's all the cyclists as they round the corner of Davis's Central Park and head out for 6-10 hours of riding. It was a pretty exhilerating site, perhaps lost to my Nikon-special.
With the cyclists cleared out, the staging area loses some of its glamour.
Emily at the end. Still standing AND smiling. Remarkable.
Fess up
Who sued?
These things are always based on some genius who doesn't respond to obvious social cuing and then sues someone so that he can blame someone else for his embarrassment. Ego is a dangerous thing and is ruining it for the rest of us.
You recognize this, right? Floor's wet, put up a sign. No one gets hurt (or rather, people are on notice that the floor is wet, thus, the facility avoids the personal injury lawyer's dream: the "slip and fall" case):
Here's a little context. Yeah -- that's the locker room at my gym. More specifically, the shower in the locker room at my gym.
And yeah. The floor gets wet.
These things are always based on some genius who doesn't respond to obvious social cuing and then sues someone so that he can blame someone else for his embarrassment. Ego is a dangerous thing and is ruining it for the rest of us.
You recognize this, right? Floor's wet, put up a sign. No one gets hurt (or rather, people are on notice that the floor is wet, thus, the facility avoids the personal injury lawyer's dream: the "slip and fall" case):
Here's a little context. Yeah -- that's the locker room at my gym. More specifically, the shower in the locker room at my gym.
And yeah. The floor gets wet.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Guess what??
No. You'll never guess. I'll just tell you.
After three years of trying, after watching EVERYONE else have success, even if they didn't intend to, and after almost giving up, I have real, live CALIFORNIA POPPIES in my backyard! It's a miracle! Right up there with walking on water and virgin birthin', I tell you whut.
I've been watching this plant grow with some curiosity for the last several weeks. It bears close resemblance to a prolific weed in my backyard, but I was willing to wait. Granted, this is the only thing that's flowering after I dumped a whole can of wildflower seeds out there, but I'm so tickled about this one little plant, I don't care. I wish I knew how to keep it alive! Any tips?
After three years of trying, after watching EVERYONE else have success, even if they didn't intend to, and after almost giving up, I have real, live CALIFORNIA POPPIES in my backyard! It's a miracle! Right up there with walking on water and virgin birthin', I tell you whut.
I've been watching this plant grow with some curiosity for the last several weeks. It bears close resemblance to a prolific weed in my backyard, but I was willing to wait. Granted, this is the only thing that's flowering after I dumped a whole can of wildflower seeds out there, but I'm so tickled about this one little plant, I don't care. I wish I knew how to keep it alive! Any tips?
Monday, May 3, 2010
What are YOU doing?
I read a quick post about Kyle (who has Ataxia and has organized the fund-raising bike rides that have raised nearly $1mil for the foundation) and it more or less said, "Kyle has a debilitating disease, is participating in the RAAM, and has helped raised over $1mil for the Ataxia research foundation. What are YOU doing?" (RAAM is the Race Across America).
Hopefully the video will embed here:
You can support my RideAtaxia fund-raising here. And you can see the profile of the part of the Ride that I am doing here. Don't cry for me.
Sometimes I need to remind myself that what I'm doing is actually enough, for me, and that I am proud of that and feel good about the way I live my life. (Though I would like a vacation.)
Hopefully the video will embed here:
You can support my RideAtaxia fund-raising here. And you can see the profile of the part of the Ride that I am doing here. Don't cry for me.
Sometimes I need to remind myself that what I'm doing is actually enough, for me, and that I am proud of that and feel good about the way I live my life. (Though I would like a vacation.)
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