Unfortunately, I wasn't able to make it to the Wednesday morning spin class or the Thursday evening training ride due to scheduling conflicts. However, I did pony up and made it to Sunday's group ride of the Carmel Valley RSF Loop. Even though the ride was only 40 miles, it felt like a hard 60 with all of the accelerations, hills, and a ride through Stud Loop.I saw several familiar faces in our Group 2 field and a few new faces as well. Early on I had a moment to chat with Roy Perkins: Director of Development of CAF. He had just returned from their large fundraiser in New York, “Celebration of Heroes, Heart and Hope Gala.” Roy was pretty much leading the entire way and it took all of my energy to just keep up with him. Nice pull Roy.
Another new face I saw belonged to Carl Gregory. Carl is a fellow radio contestant vying for a coveted spot on the QMDC team. He made the move from Group 3 to Group 2 this ride. He also has a very dry sense of humor and is great company on the ride. He has his own blog which is pretty funny to read. Go here to see more of the world through Carl's eyes. http://carlsbigworld.blogspot.com/.
Early last week I was able to provide some information that helped a few of the radio contestants make the decision to fundraise for this great event. Instead of competitors, I see all of the radio contestants as people who want to make a difference. After all, that is what this thing is about...helping out others. If you are a contestant and are reading this, I urge you to consider fundraising for this great cause. For more information, you may contact Kristine Entwistle at kristine@challengedathletes.org.
A few of the familiar faces on the ride were Sam, Kevin, and Scott (radio contestants) along with QMDC team members (Dean, Greg, and Deanna). I was able to chat a little with Greg during the first portion of the ride and soon found myself next to a new face, Dan. I found out that Dan rode in last year's QMDC and loved every minute of it. He was not fundraising this year and will be out for a few training rides.
That is one thing that I have noticed over these past weeks is that people will just show up and want to ride and be part of this great group of people with a common cause. It is refreshing to see and I am glad I can be part of it. Thanks again QMDC, CAF, and XX1090 Sports Radio.
The ride leaders for group 2 this week were Bryon and Kevin, both exceptionally strong riders that will pass you like you were standing still. Don't blink or you will find yourself dropped off the back faster than you can...well...blink. After leading us up through Rancho Sante Fe, we found ourselves on a section of road called Stud Loop. It doesn't seem like much, but for some reason, the tempo usually picks up here and there are some rolling hill sections that can wear you down. Luckily, just when I was running on empty, boom, there's the Sag Wagon. Just in time!
After practically swallowing an apple whole, a few pretzels, water, and a food bar, I was set. I bumped into Nancy, a QMDC Alumni rider who had a sweet, older Pinnarello bicycle. I am a sucker for the older model Pinnarellos and this one was a nice looking ride.
From the half-way point, we all pretty much stayed together in a group the rest of the ride. Once leaving the Sag Wagon, however, we soon found ourselves on El Camino del Norte. I had ridden this section before many times and knew what to expect. I jumped out front to see if anyone would follow and sure enough, Bryon comes screaming by with Scott Kaplan on his draft. I was able to tuck in behind Scott and we all hammered through the narrow, twisty, roller coaster of a ride. At the end we were all smiles.
The rest of the ride was a pretty fast cadence and we all took turns pulling. We eventually got back to the parking lot. After the post ride coke and water, and a few chats with fellow riders, I packed it up and headed home to take my 4-year old daughter to the bay. After an afternoon with my 4-year old, I was thoroughly wiped out. It is a good thing tomorrow is a recovery day. :)
Help me support CAF by clicking on the link below.
http://mdc2008.kintera.org/northup4CAF
Thank you.
