Reverse

(Cathy, left and Bev at Emerald Bay rest stop)

Sometimes life forces us to reverse rolls, and roll with it! Two weekends ago was "America's most beautiful bike ride" on June 6. A 72 or 100 mile ride route around Lake Tahoe. Your choice. Or if you are me... and realize you haven't ridden beyond 20ish in over a year, and need to resist the urge to join the Team-in-Trainers, the novice riders, the "never ridden this far before" crowd, and stop at a designated point... you do 30 miles.

Now I know that I'm supposed to be proud, and I know I would coach and preach the positive aspects of the fact that just under a year ago I was in a wheelchair, but it still hurt. The most wonderful part of that weekend, was seeing my sister, a working out healthy woman, that hasn't ridden much on the road, and never ridden beyond 20 miles herself in one batch... successfully go around the lake spontaneously. We had planned to both ride to "Sunnyside" -30 miles from our Condo in South Lake, and she was so strong... with tears in my jealous eyes of desire to be the leader, the coach, the advocate for going beyond ones limits, resisted continuing, and encouraged her to reach a goal that she didn't know she could reach. My nice friend Louisa was already on her way to play SAG (support and gear) vehicle, and come rescue me at said Sunnyside stop.

Now before we parted, Cathy and I made it up the Emerald Bay climb to the most stunning view of Lake Tahoe out there, (tied with the Flume trails view of Sand Harbor). After we summited, Cathy was able to reach for her water bottle and drink while still riding. A skill that many road riders don't have - and like an experienced touring or racing goddess, with giggles of joy that she crossed that line, after a tad of coaching from myself - this win was a big one. Previously we needed to stop on the side of the tour, and drink while "parked". This is the type of skill I try to emphasize is important for safety, health and hydration, and basic bike handling skills that are important. This was a win for both of us, and now she is unstoppable. Seriously - she just kept going!

Like the tortoise and the hare, the rest of our fast century-riding-group of guys averaging 18miles per hour for the 100 miles of high altitude, w/ 2 large hills, would see her at rest stops, think she was me (as at this point she was riding my bike now, and still wearing her SLaB jersey)... to realize that smiling woman was my amazing sister! Even though I'm the younger, I'm used to being the encourager for bike adventures... and now I'm am the one forced to listen to my body and physical therapist, and not push my knee and ankle beyond it's recovery limits. Grrrr. A tough mental space to be in, but a joyous one to see what is possible, and see not only my sister, but novices of less fitness than either of us, with good causes in mind such as raising funds for the Leukemia Society - carry the inspirational torch for a bit. It's my turn to get encouraged and see the inspiration, not my turn to inspire.

Weird reverse in my life. I'm trying to keep my eye on the future, and continue forward, and take note of the advances, not the backwardness of it all. After all, that is what SLAB is all about isn't it?!

First ride in 19 weeks. Happy 2010!

(here is a link if the post doesn't work http://gallery.me.com/hstolka/100041)

Well my Birthday was likely to be quiet after losing our sweet sweet cat, and travel to New England for Christmas. We thought we'd celebrate New Years Eve w/ a cocktail... maybe a couple friends walk to the closest bar for another... then back home for ringing in the new year and my Birthday. One neighbor led to another... and we partied like it was 1999. This postponed my New Years Day goal of riding a bike again. I finally am able to pedal on a stationary trainer at the gym. Range of motion for both flexion and extension are still not 100%, but enough to adjust the saddle height and do a full pedal.

My friend Helena stopped by my house on a gorgeous California January day - the first 60's, sunshiny-blue-bird of a day for some time now, via her glamorous "dutch bike" (made in Belgium). Fenders, locking system, lights, basket the works. She noticed I had my "cruiser" on the back patio. Still a fun bike, no competing necessary w/ hers; a basket, Cherry Red, fat tires and flat pedals. I had hoped to ride it New Years after lowering the saddle to feel safe, as my leg doesn't extend fully yet.

Anyhow... she said "no time like the present". And away we went. Lowered the seat... and it was like I never left cycling. Sure... I didn't push hard w/ my left, a little timid w/ my new ankle and recovering knee. But if felt FANTASTIC! She made this amazing video that makes it look even more spectacular than it was. Disclaimer... I never recommend riding w/ no helmet. It was a down the big wide, no traffic street I live on... but still no excuses. That bad example aside... this was a beautiful moment and I'm so happy to know I can pedal again. Now time to increase the length rides, and exertion and frequency my friends! I. Am. Back!~

I am Strong, Light and Beautiful and Happy! SLaBh?

Thanks again to Helena for making this lovely tribute to the occasion!

Must-Haves and Nice-to-Have basics for cycling equipment / accessories

I came up with a basic list for the Intro to biking class I helped teach at Stanford. I think it would be helpful to many - so am going to post it! Enjoy!

Come to Evolution Bike Shop tomorrow June 13, for Demo Day

I'll be chatting with folks about future SLaB skills clinics and helping out in the morning at Evolution Bike shop! Come join the fun as they have demo bikes from Norco and more! Steven's Creek Blvd, across from Elephant Bar... near "Cupertino Square" (ak Valco mall). See you there!

Mtn. Bike Skills Clinics for Spring 2009!

Hello riders and those who'd like to start riding! 

Winter is waning and our sunshine is lasting longer - this means our riding season is here!

STRONG, LIGHT and BEAUTIFUL has exciting new clinics and events on the calendar!
We've changed the format a little, focussing on clinics and events not membership. No charge to be a Strong, Light and Beautiful rider, simply attend an event (fee based or complimentary events), or purchase a jersey and/or merchandise, ride with us, and you are SLaB! (Website to reflect this by end of March).

CO-ED!
We found that YES, mostly women need and want a group - a no pressure clinic, but there are men out there that haven't tried riding in years as well. Pass along these dates to those guys you know that are ready to get active on the trails, or haven't felt stable maybe on their road bikes, as attending these workshops help every type of rider improve their maneuverability on a bicycle!

GROUP RIDES
We will continue to offer group rides as the Summer and daylight grow. We plan to join other clubs group rides and events and trail volunteer work throughout 2009.

There is still beautiful merchandise available. Jerseys, Arm Warmers, Vests, and discounts at local bike shops and some brand components/accessories. www.iamSLaB.com

SLaB has upped her game this year with the addition of 1 to 2 expert riders joining our clinics and events. These guys can share tricks and expertise from their racing days to mechanic abilities. You'll certainly learn a trick or two from them!

If you have taken a SLaB clinic before, this will review skills from Super Beginner clinics, then go a step further with more intermediate skills, experts on hand, and a ride to practice on, and have a little more physical challenge.

APRIL 11
Skills Clinic and Ride - CUPERTINO, CA
Beginner/Beginner-Intermediate/and Intermediates!
Go thru basic skills & mechanical tips - 9-11a.m. $60pp
Then ride up the fire road to access Freemont Older's trails for on the trail assistance and testing out our new skills! 11:30-1:30pm. 

Enervit bars and energy drinks provided. Bring snack and required to have water bottle or hydration system for ride. If you need a bike or want to try a full suspension or hard-tail GT, 3 mediums available first come first serve. County Parking Fee not included.

MAY 16
Super Beginner/Beginner clinic, CUPERTINO, CA, 9 a.m.-12:30. $50pp
Haven't ridden in years? Want more stability on your road or hybrid or mtn. bike? Learn balance, weight distribution, cornering, braking techniques to encourage you go ride more challenging trails and roads. Bikes available to use - limited sizes and qty.
County Parking Fee not included.

JUNE 13-14 (price will be group rates, a great deal! Weekend of a lot of fun!)
2 nights 2 days in DOWNIEVILLE, CA
Beg-Intermediate riders
Shuttles with expert riders to join us on rides. They will assist, coach and/or guide us for an enjoyable descent!
Yuba Expeditions Bike Shop http://yubaexpeditions.com/
Carriage House www.downievillecarriagehouse.com

Green Vision - Obama

This morning as I juggle a freelance project that will be printed on a large paper poster (boo)- but for an upcoming Cycling Event (yaaay)... and I read up for my first class at Stanford tonight on Clean Tech Entrepreneurship... I wonder where I and SLaB and our society fit it.

Came across this inspirational blog and story regarding how we need VISION. How Obama has that opportunity, and how we hope he uses it, and we know he has that power to push us forward. Below are a quote from the blog - and a link in case you are interested!

I started commuting by Bike to my job at Apple again. Of course... it's been around 70 degrees lately- making riding a breeze, but these temps are abnormal. Coincidence that sometimes the potential affects of Climate Change - temporarily feel good, while most are a festering disease waiting to come out? Trying to focus on the "sex appeal" and positive aspects of being Green has always been easy for me. Now it's getting the masses to realize EVERY decision matters. But to not stress about it. Just start to metamorphasis and eliminate one habit of buying plastic bottles let's say... for re-usable ones. Tap water really is acceptable. There are ways to dress it up so nicely - that you'd never go back. Pur Filters... lemon... and my new favorite... Himalayan Salt!

I'm finally back - and will continue to blog more regularly. Thanks for your patience while I took a December/Jan holiday break! Riding opportunities to follow. Getting you all out on bikes is my first mission!

GreenBiz.com - Joel Makower

Ask yourself: What does a world look like where former autoworkers and steelmakers are employed in well-paid jobs to manufacture turbines and solar panels, and where mechanics, electricians, truck drivers, and plumbers are working fervently to build the smarter, upgraded electricity grid needed to distribute all this home-grown energy? Where a new generation of smart buildings and electric vehicles are operating in concert on cheaper, less-polluting energy, and a new generation of technicians is needed to build and maintain them and infrastructure necessary to power them? Where every home, office, factory, and store is retrofitted or rebuilt to be as energy efficient as possible, made so by armies of newly trained workers from local communities? Where entrepreneurial companies are mining landfills in order to turn waste back into raw materials at a fraction of the cost and environmental impacts of mining or manufacturing new ones? Where food is grown and distributed regionally, reducing transportation emissions and ensuring food security, creating a wealth of jobs for local farmers, food processors, distributors, and others?

I could go on, but you get the point. It's a pretty compelling story. Who's telling it?

Annual New Years Mtn. Bike Ride 2009

Most the way up was in the fog, and the same for the return - when it went below 45 degrees.

Bev- the birthday girl, and hubby Terry enjoy some bubbly, hot chocolate and brownies after reaching the top!

This awesome photo taken by Kelly Connelly as we rose out of the fog

Happy New Year everybody!

I expect to be back blogging starting January 1! Tomorrow... a traditional ride up Mount Tam in Mill Valley - and then back to SLaB work!

Here is to a wonderful 2009!

Woo Hoo riding in the 1860's

Sail Away Sail Away

Sailing on Shenemere, a beautiful 51ft sloop. Our hosts and owners - Captain Dave and Ida - cranked the stereo system. We sailed without talking, and simply listening and enjoying Enya's "Sail Away". Simply beautiful and dramatic, the winds were strong, as you can hear in video.

December 14 Marin Skills Clinic!

Back to Bikes!

(Whole Foods bike rack - Oct 25th)

Thanks for patiently waiting for this election to pass, and now let's get back to getting on our bikes! SLaB is available during the month of November for skills workshops during week-days and some weekends. We are getting that MARIN skills clinic scheduled... but had to move it to December 14th. I appreciate the responses I've gotten, and we look forward to getting our Marin date accomplished!

Take advantage of these dryer days - and get even a few miles in!

CHANGE.GOV

For those who might be mourning, and us who are celebrating this historic occasion - here is what our new incredible leadership has already launched! Go to www.Change.gov and see their agenda. There are opportunities to post your vision - which I decided to do. And YES... I mention Cycling and more bicycle access! I promise that my blog will go back to it's roots of Strong, Light and Beautiful's mission. With that said, in our mission is the promotion of our Environment - sustainibility - and this certainly gets us involved in some Politic'ing! We'll see if it gets published or at least read! Very exciting!

"Today we begin in earnest the work of making sure that the world we leave our children is just a little bit better than the one we inhabit today." - President-Elect Barack Obama

Time to breath - some zen

After sharing with friends today that the last week has seemed full of a weird vibe, a controversiol vibe -- I realized something. The election propositions and candidates have us all wound up. We try to share our beliefs, and try as mighty as we can - to understand the opposition. Patience with lies and discrimination, trying to trust and hope... all have been taking a toll on us.

We need to take a lesson from what my boss has been doing in our fast paced production room, setting a timer and telling us all it's time to breath! She even did so today on a text - as she was off-site. I loved it! Just the act off watching my cat sleep, stretch or breath, brings that same zen feeling of less tension.

Here is a picture for you - and a moment to perhaps stop debating, pull good energy to ourselves, so we can have a good nights sleep, and be ready to do our work with vitality - tomorrow!

Peace.

Strong, Light and Beautiful Jerseys!

We still have SLaB jerseys available! Sizes: sm, med, lg, xl, and xxl

Check out the SLaB shop to order yours!

Strong, Light and Beautiful - Skills clinic fun today!

Rashmi, Bev and Rachel enjoyed a perfect day and had the park all to themselves! With two cancellations, we had a private party of 3, and it gave us more time to go on a short ride after we challenged ourselves on the SLaB skills course.

Rash puts in the extra effort on a steep fire road climb - with success!

Rachel demonstrates fantastic limbo form

as we lower bar height more and more!

Commuting in a dress... and...

I can't remember the website/blog I got this from, but it is worthy of repeating. (I'll find out and credit the original poster). Anyhow... Yes... you can ride a bike in a dress and non-cycling shoes. Yes you can run errands on a bike... yes... one can take it to the unsafe level of too far!

Enjoy the added comments on this image!

I feel better finally, and have been commuting again on my beach cruiser... w/ a helmet, with a basket full of my re-fillable CamelBak water bottle, refillable coffee mug, purse, and sometimes groceries on the way home. But yes... I have called my husband while riding down a straight-away to see if he had requests at the grocery store, guilty as charged!

Tomorrow is a skills clinic in Cupertino -

Not to late to join our group!

Email to sign on!

Oct. 18th Skills clinic - Memorial on Saturday 18th

Hi all - 

Saturday morning, same time as scheduled skills clinic, there will be a dedication to cyclists' Kristy and Matt who were killed on Steven's Canyon Road this year. It's a special event, and will have a lot of emotion along with shutting down the road from 8ish to after 9 I'm guessing. 

The location of the accident is next to the entrance to our park where I host the skills clinics.  For multiple reasons, we'll move the clinic to later in the morning, if attendee's can still make a mid-day workshop. Thanks for your understanding.

The City of Cupertino has graciously sponsored a permanent memorial in honor of Kristy and Matt at the site of the crash. There will be a brief dedication ceremony as well as a memorial ride on October 18th.

- Saturday, Oct 18
- 8 am ride start (recommend arriving at 7:30am)
- Ride route: Cupertino Civic Center (10350 Torre Avenue) to Stevens Canyon Road

City of Cupertino's Announcement:
Memorials to be Dedicated for Bicyclists

On Sunday, March 9, 2008, two bicyclists were tragically killed in the foothills of Cupertino. Weather permitting, on Saturday, October 18, permanent memorials will be dedicated to Kristy Gough and Matt Peterson. Please join us for this brief ceremony as we honor the memory of our friends and family who have passed.

The morning's events will begin at 8 AM with a gathering at Cupertino Civic Center. Guests will cycle up McClellan Road to Stevens Canyon Road, near the site of the accident.

Those driving by car should go directly to the memorial site, as the road will be closed to automobile traffic once the bicyclists get under way. Shortly after 9 am there will be some brief comments and an unveiling of the plaques. In words provided by their families, there is one tablet for each rider:

In Loving Memory of
Kristy Gough
November 19, 1977 - March 9, 2008
FREE FROM LIMITATIONS & IMAGINARY LINES

Our hearts forever inspired by
Matthew Wayne Peterson
June 4, 1978 - March 9, 2008
RETHINK WHAT IS POSSIBLE

Please check the city web site for more detailed information as the event gets closer.

SLaB October Update

Chicken Soup!

Yay friends like Slabber Cindy and Keith! Due to yesterday's rest and nutritional nurturing... today is a better day. I'm still holding back, and resisting the urge to go to Jame's Harvest Party, but by tomorrow - I hope to be whole again! Thanks for all the well wishes! - B