Squamish Rocks!

I HEART Squamish! The Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada - located in British Columbia between Vancouver and Whistler, it's a town with easy access to so many outdoor activities all-year-round. This past weekend, I paid a visit with some friends for some rock climbing. It's a mecca for anyone into the sport with the obvious destination for many being the Stawamus Chief (or, simply "The Chief"). It is the world's second-largest granite monolith and you can't miss it as you enter Squamish from the south. For the non-rock climbers, you can test your cardio and leg-strength endurance by hiking up the back side to the top. Plan about 1.5 - 2 hours one way to the second peak but the view from the top on clear days is simply AMAZING!!!

The Chief isn't the only spot for climbing....this area is so concentrated with easily accessible crags that anyone, no matter what skill level, is bound to find a few routes to their liking. That was important for our group because, while Jill and I are relatively newbies to the sport, the others (Eric, Adam, Tom, and Loren) are waaay more experienced and had plans to do multi-pitch climbs: first up on the Apron of The Chief (located on the north side), then on the "Squaw" (just a little east of the Chief).

Jill and I were on our own so we headed to the Smoke Bluffs which offered a lot of single-pitch routes for some top-roping. We're still not ready to lead our own climbs w/out Eric (Jill's boyfriend) to spot and instruct us. For me, it was my second visit to the Bluffs which was good b/c I got to see how I handled the routes I tried last year for the first time (Burgers and Fries, and Pixie Corner). The granite up there is so nice and so sticky and it gave me a more confidence for some moves that first seemed sketchy. And, we both got to spend a lot of time on cracks which you can't really mimic in a gym. Later that afternoon, the others joined us at Neat and Cool. It was amazing to watch Eric's friend, Tom, do the same route that Jill just finished....I swear, he's a human tree frog after watching him, literally, leap his way up to the top. It was funny to watch Jill trying to keep up as she belayed him. I had fun climbing up Corner Crack and then I was done for the day. My hands were raw and my feet were starting to put up a fuss after being in my climbing shoes all day.

(Adam practicing some lead climbing on Neat and Cool /The Smoke Bluffs)

The next day, the others were planning on going back up the Chief while Jill and I planned to explore Murrin Park. But, alas, Mother Nature is "a fickled b*%$#" (quoting Eric) and it rained on us Saturday night/Sunday morn. So, our plans to climb on Sunday in Squamish were scrapped and we quickly broke down camp and headed for Index, WA for some climbing if the weather was good. Alas, it wasn't....so, the only highlight of the drive home was a stop in Lynnwood for a burrito at Chipotle (haha). Oh, one more note, we ended up camping at Kinsman Park in Squamish....nothing spectacular other than it's a spot to sleep after a full-day of (insert your favorite outdoor activity here). But, the best part, you can head over to Brennan Park and use their showers (cost ~$2....$7 +change deposit and they give you back $5 +change if you keep your shower time to less than 20 mins). Norm gave me an excellent resource for climbing routes in the area: Squamish Select by Marc Bourdon. So glad I have that book. I HEART Squamish!

Exit 38 - Climb On!

I *finally* got to head outside for some rock climbing. I met Jill and her "oh-so-awesome" boyfriend, Eric, who instructed us on how to handle our own single-pitch climbs so he and his buddies can head out and do the harder, multi-pitch routes. Let me say that Eric is an awesome instructor! He spent three hours coaching Jill on lead-climbing, teaching me how to clean up the route, meet Jill at the top and toss the rope down and rappel on our own. I felt like this was the next step after the great experience I had last summer up in Squamish, British Columbia. Last year, Norm and Jeremy (our guides), handled everything. This year, I got some lessons for the next level of climbing and that is handling some single-pitch routes on our own.

Anyway, we headed out to Exit 38 - just east of North Bend off of I-90 (the closest rock climbing area to Seattle). We spent the entire time on Write Off Rock which is a popular beginner rock and perfect for what we were working on. The first route we worked on was on the far left and only had 2 bolts for us to clip in. The second route (Mom, There's Pink in my Burger) was so much fun (the second one to the right) and had 4 bolts on the route to clip in to. Both times, Jill did the lead-climbing. The first time, I just climbed up while Eric belayed me from the top. We did that so he could go over what I needed to do once we were done climbing the route. The second time, though, I cleaned up and took out all the hardware on my way up while Jill belayed from the top. It's so great to finally not have to depend 100% on others for outdoor climbing and am really confident that Jill and I can be self-sufficient on routes that are within our skill level. So much fun! Can't wait to head outside again (this coming weekend if the weather holds out) but next time, I will try out my skills on lead-climbing.

Marin Headlands, CA - (VIDEO) Descending on a bike

The Tour is never lacking in spectacular events. Stages 14 - 16 are ones that I have been looking forward to as the riders make their way through the Alps grinding up some amazing steep terrain and descending like mad down the other side. The past couple of stages showed how quickly one can be 'King of the Mountain' to another casualty of the tour. First, Pereiro's crazy crash over the barrier to the pavement 15 feet below that left him with a fractured arm. Then, today, Augustyn (a 21-year old rookie) was the first to reach the peak of the last climb today which is also the highest pass on the tour this year. However, on the other side he was going to fast and couldn't quite make a turn and went over the edge. He managed to stop himself on the steep mountainside, but his bike kept on going, and going, and going, and going....

Those are the images that, unfortunately, stick with me on descents. One of my favorite routes is down in the Bay Area where you climb up the Marin Headlands from the Golden Gate Bridge. After catching your breath at the top only to have it taken away by the amazing scenery (the Golden Gate Bridge, the City in the background, Pacific Ocean, and the coastline south to Pacifica...sigh). Anyway, on the other side, the descent is on a one-lane road and is pretty steep at the top (for me, anyway). But, you have to tear your eyes away from the view and keep your eye on the road on the way down. I found this video and thought I would share one of my favorite rides from a cyclist's perspective....whee!



(Video credit: YouTube, Marin Headlands Loop on a Bike, Bullet Cam/auweia1)

The Marin Headlands is not only the area for many outdoor activities for the urbanites (road & mountain biking, hiking, surfing) but it's also the location of the Marine Mammal Center where I used to volunteer as a docent. Best time to ride....early morning before the tourists plug up the bridge and the winds kick in...spring time and fall are my favorite months. Once you're done with the Marin Headlands, continue down to Sausalito and do Paradise Loop...there's also options to jump on to other routes for climbing up Mount Tamalpais (or Mt. Tam for short). Check out the VeloGirls' website...the cycling club I used to ride with the first year I started road cycling. They have the best route sheets!

I am going to take a few days off of my bike after a rather lackluster weekend of rides....I went on a couple of rides with some good climbs and just wasn't feeling it. Oh well, some days you have it, some days you don't. So, time for me to put the bike away for a little while and enjoy some other activities and then get back on it.

Cycling North Cascade Loop (Update)

On an earlier post, I mentioned my intent to ride part of the North Cascade Loop starting next week. Unfortunately, the ride has been postponed and the dates are TBD due to my riding partner's nagging foot pain. Oh well, at least I will be fresh for the RSVP (Ride from Seattle to Vancouver) in August and maybe we'll schedule the North Cascade Loop when it's a tad bit cooler.

The one question I have, though, is I've gotten some feedback on our planned route for Day 1 where we end up on 530 between Arlington and Darrington. I've heard that 530 is not bike-friendly due to the narrow road with little shoulder as well as other reasons. If anyone out there has a good alternate, please let me know (i.e., head up to Sedro Woolley and then hang a right).

(Photo credit: Jasper Juinen/Getty Images)
As for the Tour - a big 'BOO, HISS' to Beltran and Ricco and their doping charges. But, despite the dark cloud (sigh, will they learn), the Tour has been exciting to watch. I'm rooting for Team Columbia/High Road. Today, I think the sprinter crown has been handed over and this picture says it all with Mark Cavendish winning his 4th stage and Robbie McEwan (lower left in red and so dominating in previous races) behind him. Go Team Columbia/High Road....they work well together and today it was amazing to watch them work Cavendish up through the peloton to place him in position for, yet, another strong, kick-butt finish. There was also the most spectacular crash today...one of the Gerolsteiner riders crashed right into one of the traffic islands so hard breaking his bike frame in two and sending him up and over and on to the pavement. He stood up right away and seemed to be relatively ok...the sign on the traffic island, however, didn't fare as well....crazy crash!

Take Back the Tour

(Photo credit: JOEL SAGET/AFP/Getty Images)

The 2008 Tour de France is off and running (er, spinning). The race started on July 5 and will conclude in Paris on July 27. I know, I know....I hear all of you grumbling about the drug scandals and the politics and the cheating, etc., etc. But, after watching the first few days of the race, it's really been refreshing to watch and, once again, I am thoroughly enjoying my morning cups of java while watching racers sprint, crash, and climb. Phil Ligget and Paul Sherwen continue to add so much to my enjoyment with their ever-so-colorful commentary, dramatic statements and bits of cycling trivia. While I enjoyed watching the 'Lance' era and cheering him on as he battled head-to-head with Jan Ulrich, Iban Mayo, and others, I feel like the race has returned to its roots. There seems to be an aggressive movement to make sure the race and the riders remain clean and free of drug scandals. Versus, who is televising the race in the U.S., is running a funny tv spot right now....the reel is played in reverse and it appears like the race officials are taking the yellow jersey away from Landis.

(Photo credit: PASCAL PAVANI/AFP/Getty Images)

With no heavy favorite and changes to the race format, it's a wide open field. Instead of the customary prologue time trial, the race started en masse with an uphill sprint to the finish line. This meant the yellow jersey was up for grabs and it made for a dramatic ending. Other changes to the race this year included the elimination of the time bonuses. In the past, one could shave off time by accruing time bonuses w/out ever having to finish first. This year, there is definitely more incentive to be first, and, again, it means more spectacular finishes.

The team time trail stage was eliminated and I'm so bummed about that. I was always fascinated to see how a group of individuals operated as one engine, their legs like pistons, to pedal efficiently and finish with the fastest time. This stage required so much precision and synchronization....so totally HOT!!

(Photo credit: JOEL SAGET/AFP/Getty Images)

Finally, there are 2 new teams from the US: Team Columbia (George Hincapie is a member), and; Team Garmin-Chipotle (egads, I hope they don't have to eat food prepped by Chipotle every night...haha). You can follow Team Garmin-Chipotle on their blog. Team Garmin-Chipotle is made up of primarily American riders whereas Hincapie, I think, is the only American member of Team Columbia. Both teams appear really strong and as of today, Kirchen (Columbia) is wearing the yellow jersey. Allez, allez!

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!

Photos from San Juan Island 5-Day Kayak Trip

Here is the link to the photos from my recent kayak trip.

You can also copy and paste the URL below into your browser or in an email to share with others.
http://activechick415.smugmug.com/gallery/5305663_9RQ7R/1/323804233_SXML6

And, here are the direct links to all 3 posts so grab a cup of coffee, or your favorite happy hour bevvy (depending on the time of day you read it). Enjoy!

Day 1

Days 2-3
Days 4-5