Critical Mass - Lake Washington Style (13 weeks later)

Back in April, I included a post about my first road bike loop around Lake Washington with the Cascade Bicycle Club. And, here I am, 13 weeks later and I just completed that same route but this time with way more energy and more power up the hills. Because the route today was familiar, I knew I could be more aggressive and it was only going to be 48 miles....oh, pshaw...that's nothing! And, the weather was much cooler than last weekend....in the 60s which is perfect for riding. Many who rode the 100-mile ride last week to Flaming Geyser in the heat were back for more pain. But, this week, the mood of the group was very upbeat and almost giddy. I think part of it was because most were looking forward to the STP (Seattle-to-Portland) ride next weekend. Or, maybe it was the pizza and beer we were having at the end of the ride to celebrate the end of this training series. Definitely don't want to be last one in because it's first come, first serve. Haha....more motivation for this billy goat to hammer up the hills. Nevertheless, a lot of gut-busting laughs and 'woots' on the hills when, usually, you hear nothing but steady breathing (usually your own), bike gears changing and turning, and the whir of tires on the pavement with all the focus on reaching the top.

The first half of the ride was uneventful...after all, not much can happen on the Burke-Gilman trail (big yawn). But, once we passed Kenmore and hit the open roads, that's when it started to get fun - especially on the hills. I love my double chainring because I'm able to exert so much more power up the hills and I felt great on the climbs and passing people on the left. But, when I would finally pull into the lead and relax a bit, there goes Alain cruising by on my left-hand side. Huh?! I thought he told me that he did a hilly ride around Vashon Island yesterday. Of course, I gave chase. Alain, I'm not competitive. I just like to be the first one up the hill :-))

We finally got to the hill that leads to Seward Park. Last week, it was mile 85 and about 90 degress. This week, it was mile 35 and 65 degrees. Oh baby, outta my way because that hill is mine! Woot! I passed everyone and was out front and building up a lead when I realized, I had no idea where I was going and where the next turn was. So, I had to slow down and wait for someone to catch up. Thankfully, Rossamo, originally from Italy and a natural cyclist (of course), came powering up the hill and led me in to Seward Park. Yeah, I think I'll hold off on getting my certification as a ride leader otherwise, I'll get everyone so hopelessly lost. Our last climb for the ride was up from Lake Washington...this time, I didn't get caught behind a rolling roadblock. But I couldn't let up because everytime I did, Alain would pass me. D'oh! Anyway, that last hill was so much easier compared to last week and I think I laughed and smiled all the way to the top....I was having a blast. For the entire day, there was always a friendly competition to the top of the hills with a small group of us giving chase as soon as someone broke out of the pack. So much fun!

I'm sad that the training series has ended, but happy for the people I've met on the rides:

Alain - he just started road cycling in April and is doing his first STP!! He is also raising money for the Ivory Coast Medical Relief team with the money going towards the fight against malaria. Go here if you would like to donate and find out more about this cause. Good luck, Alain!! I can't wait to hear your stories and see pictures. In the meantime, I will keep practicing on the hills so you can just keep eating my dust :-))

Kanako - she has just as many interests as I do (golf, kayak, mountain bike)! Kanako is doing a 5-day ride from Redmond to Spokane in the middle of July. She is also doing the RSVP (Ride from Seattle to Vancouver and Party) in August which I am signed up for. If you ever see a woman all decked out in pink, chances are it's Kanako :-)) Have a great ride, Pinky, and can't wait to ride/paddle/golf with you when you get back!

Mike (blue jersey) and Rossamo (red jersey) are also doing the STP. Thanks, Rossamo, for some of those pulls up the hills, and for leading me in the right direction.

Lisa, who didn't ride today, is also a rookie rider doing the STP this coming weekend. It's been great to watch her and Alain progress and become the strong riders that they are today. Thanks everyone for making the 3-6 hours on the saddle so much fun and interesting. Oh, and for the friendly competition ;-) Good luck with all your long distance rides!