Cyclocross

I went to check out cyclocross today at Pierce College...look like fun, but the course was really tough--not sure I have the legs for it. Of course that doesn't mean I won't try. After all, I've got these two to teach me right? What could go wrong?

Stay tuned as I explore this more...

~rl

49 degrees and dropping

Leg warmers, arm warmers, long sleeve jerseys, tights, head covers, toe covers, feet covers, long finger gloves....I put it all on; it's cold outside, I hate the cold and I grew up in Maine!

But I moved here for heat and I want it back. Sure it's beautiful to ride with snow covered mountains in the background, but at least give me sunshine if it's going to be cold--make my mind think it's warm while my toes go knumb.

So according to the weather I'll either be riding outside looking like the StayPuff Marshmellow girl or I'll be in the theater watching a chick flick and pounding out the miles with my bike on the trainer~~~

btw...dear santa, I would like a new Kinetic Kurt for XMAS:)

and yes I've been a very good girl.
~rl

Agoura Cycles Team Members Win Cyclocross

Recognize these guys from the shop? Bobbie and Colby--they rocked the Cyclocross race at the CA Bike Fest!

If you're into cross or BMX, come by the shop and get all your questions, suggestions, work done by Colby and Bobbie.

And that's not all they do....personally saw Bobbie at the PIRU TT today! Waiting to hear if he whooped the dudes in his class there as well:)

Great fun for all.

rl

CA Bike Fest

We spent Saturday at the California Bike Fest; an event to help raise money for the Breakaway for Cancer effort.

It was a beautiful day to spend on the boardwalk in Ventura. The sun was shining on the ocean as the first group of riders left for the 100K ride. Some had "sherpas"; well known pros like Ivan Dominguez (sp?), Freddie Rodriguez (sp?), Wayne Statina and more!

There were also shorter rides, a family ride, a trike race and a cyclo cross race. Agoura Cycles was one of 56 booths at the Expo portion of the event. It was a place to get a great deal on some product, demo a GIANT bicycle, pick up a free copy of Road Bike Action magazine, or just enjoy the beach.

All in all a long day on the legs, but it's always great to see such a huge interest in cycling whether you are a recreational rider, a cyclocross racer, commuter, or just getting onto your first set of training wheels....it's all fun:) and for a good cause.

rl

Some photos don't need explanation

Riding With My Dad

Today I skipped the Agoura Cycles road ride for something much more personal, a good mountain bike ride with my dad.

We took off from my house here in Newbury Park and snaked our way over the the Santa Monica Mountains.  As we rode up to the top of the black bitch, we suited up for what we knew would be a cold decent and boy were we right.  

After dropping in we shot over to the single track that runs adjacent along the road and settled into a nice pace as we worked our way down the canyon towards the beach.  Just before hitting the campgrounds, we made our way to the sky by heading up Overlook trail.  The ground was tacky and smooth, which made for spot on riding.

By the time we made it over to the top of Backbone, we had covered 15 miles.  As we made our way back to the canyon floor, we had one of the most perfect runs you could ever imagine.

We aimed back towards the black bitch talking about rides past, Rocky Peak, Johnson's Motorway, Lone Oak and more.  When we came up on Dos Vientos, I decided to treat him to some of my typical stomping grounds and gave him a taste of some tight switchbacks that lead to the housing track just above Albertsons.

My dad isn't necessarily a fan switchies, but he made the most of it and gave me a good laugh as he attempted to swing his rear end around the tight turns.  Needless to say, he nearly ended up in the bushes a few times.

The whole ride was 3 hours and 30 miles.  Try that on a mountain bike and you'll feel like you just did a century on a road bike.

So now as I sip my wine (who are we kidding, gulp it down) I can feel the ache in my legs.  Good ride Pop, you made me what I am today.

Some things....

Ever wonder why every piece of clothing and accessory for cycling is adorned with logos? Isn't it enough that we paid for it once...do the manufacturers have to keep cashing in on our body parts? Should we form a union? Get royalties? Perks?

I mean--look at this... Joel's feet!