Group Ride- Cadence Workout Group

Pete, Terry, Walter, Mayo, Bev and Nadine

Sunday was yet another stunning day in California, and we spent the afternoon at Saratoga Gap. As Walter said (with Holland accent), it's WORLD CLASS nice! We had a group from the office of Cadence' Design's corporate gym (Club One a.m. fit class) that wanted to go for an excursion, outside, on the dirt! Two beginner ladies, me, my honey Terry, and Walter with their physical trainer; workout guru, spin instructin'- Pete! 

Both gals don't have bikes, (one has a 15yr old number that is not up to speed), so we brought our GT demo bikes. It is so great to be able to get folks out on "real" bikes, or up-to-date mountain bikes so they can see what they'd like to invest in, and have a great first ride experience. 

Speaking of first trail rides, I was super impressed with all of their abilities to brave some rocky terrain. Mayo and Nadine made it down steeps, over rocks and on loose gravel corners. Even Walter admitted normally he might walk down to get past a super technical section, and was happy for the do-over mentality, to improve skills, and start clearing sections to dismount the bike less often. He did fantastic, and was a natural. Now if only I could get him to keep his helmet on! (don't worry, while riding on the trail - it was, but relunctantly was on flat fireroads).

Nadine and Bev, happy bikers.

The entire album from the day is posted on www.iamSLaB.com - photo page at the bottom!

On the trail at sunset

Another picture from our ride Thursday at Saratoga Gap with SLaB, Jill Kintner and Kathy Pruitt

THURSDAY group ride w/ Jill Kintner -Bronze Medalist!

We are so honored to have the opportunity to ride with Jill. She loves mountain biking on trails (World Champ actually) as well as her BMX success (Olympic Medal!). Come join us for a ride on the technical and fun trails of Saratoga Gap. 

Mostly SLaB women - and some of their other halves - ahem - men, are coming to get autographs and ride. Please rsvp to Beverly at  b e v c o @ m a c . c o m - so we know to expect you, and how many will show up!

Meet at 5:45, ready to ride at 6. I'll be arriving with Jill, as we leave Calabazas bike shop at 5:30, at Hwy 9 and Skyline/35.

See you then!

Bev

Wednesday Gap Ride - Gorgeous Technical!

Marnie, Rhonda and Bev rode the first part of Saratoga Gap. 

Posed for a few shots at the overlook on the West side of Hwy 35/Skyline then rode the rocky fun single track back. Did a few do-overs, and walked that first switchback. 

I'll get that darn thing before summer is over!

DON'T FORGET... 

SLaB has a Skills Clinic for THIS SUNDAY. $40 non/$36 members

2 GT bikes for demo'ing are available also!

Alum's from previous clinics welcome - 

complimentary w/ space availability!

Alpe d'Huez - Saratoga Gap Tomorrow

There she is... all 21 switchbacks.

Record held by Marco Pantani at 37 minutes 35 sec. Lance was only 1 second slower than that official record. Stats: 8 miles / 13.8km. Average Gradient 8.1%.

Tomorrow is the big day for the Tour. Wear something French, Yellow, Polka Dot or in your favorite teams colors - and give the boys some extra climbing legs!

Saratoga Gap, much shorter, way less elevation gain, and maybe 21 corners - some considered switchbacks!

SLaB will endure a trail parallel to Skyline blvd at the ridge line above Saratoga - and perhaps drink some Perrier at the end of the ride. Maybe 21 switchbacks - start counting at first corner when passing through the trail gate!

Come meet us at Hwy 9 and Skyline by 5:45 - so we are rolling by 6 pm. The tour stage will already be fought out - and we can chat about who won while we have fun on the trails!

See you tomorrow! (Boys allowed if they are nice!)