Headlands mountain bike
Meditative state of one
Pick the line and breathe

Obstacles abound
Clarity of the moment
Bravery meets fear

Pure power hill climbs
Unsure downhill rendezvous
Pick the line and breathe


Mountain bike mind cleanse
Focus key to stay erect
Pick the line and breathe


Surface conscious thoughts
Abandon body and soul
Life’s simple pleasures

OK, IF YOU CAN DECODE THE CYRPTICS ON THIS NEW SIGN AT THE GG BRIDGE, THEN I GUESS YOU CAN PROCEED (AH, WITH CAUTION)........

AND I MEAN WITH CAUTION!!!! During the weekday between 5:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. ,us cyclists have to share the east side of the bridge with all the pedestrians, tourists on foot, tourists (lord help them) on rental bikes, occasional runners and of course the GG Bridge maintanence workers in their 3 wheel utility club cars. You can imagine it is quite a zoo. Especially in summer when the multitudes are visiting our glorious City not knowing it's going to be more than likely foggy, wet and windier than hell on the GG Bridge.

But the good tourists bring with them a positive attitude and although they may be shivering, windblown and hypothermic, they gleefuly document their pilgramage with videos and photos. Whether they are on foot, blocking the entire span of the walkway or on rental bike nervously weaving to and fro they come equiped with camera, pointing and shooting oh so innocently. They are oblivious that this is a thoroughfare for cyclists who have no other route to get across. For some reason the West side walkway remains closed until 3:30, which makes no sense what so ever as it would certainly be well used as a cycling only lane (which is done during the weekends.)

This situation lends itself to an entertaining crossing and always great for testing one's reaction skills. I've found that I can never underestimate the tourist and even though they may appear to be looking at you in the eye as they walk toward you head on, they still don't SEE YOU! Thus I have adapted to making myself loud and clear, verbally warning the poor ba**t**ds that I'm coming through and of course always add a thank you and depending on the ethnicty of the group, the thank you may be in array of different languages.


There are some "stock" responses. Usually the male will grab the female who becomes more startled and she jumps...This is not necessarily good as she may decide to jump in front of you, but usually he pulls her to the side. Another common reaction is that both parties jump into the air. Others have the dear in the headlights look while the rare select few react calmly and simply move to the side.


Now the tourist cyclists are even worse. They like to photograph while they are fumbling on their rental bikes, riding in the center weaving to the left. Or they decide to stop and park in the middle of the path with absolutely no awareness that they are not alone.

Once you make it over the first span and clear the first tower (which can be a fight with the wind) you are 1/2 way.....Loud voice, clear direction (good thing I taught years of group exercise classes) is the only way to survive this journey.


Just when you think you are there, a maintanence crew in a 3 wheeler comes at you head on and man oh man, they own the path. They have the right of way and will not veer. They are the bridge trolls if you will, a tough lot who won't back down to anyone.


Woah, you got through that and only have 500 meters to go, but its' the trickyest 500...The majority of Tour-i are bottlenecked, overwhelmed by being emancipated from their tourist bus confinments and are anxious to see this world famous attraction. The gift shop is to the right. Chances are they are going to bolt toward it...One must proceed with caution loudly and purposely....You made it with maybe only a couple of close calls.


Got to love it, Just being able to get out and ride across the GGB and then ride a couple of hours on a weekday in between work is a wonderful thing.

Just Another Day......

I generally finish seeing clients between 4:00 - 6:00 pm Monday- Friday. Afterwards I have a 35 minute commute by bicycle which is just enough time to rejuvenate, clear the brain, and get the blood flowing to give me a boost when I get home. I usually leave at 6:15 am so the time away from home is long but it always includes a lot of physical activity. Depending on my own training, the day, traffic etc. my commute energy varies. I usually ride the "Fixie" and somedays I fly while others, I trudge. What never changes is having to keep alert to wayward buses, cars, pedestrians and the oh-so-dreaded-evil San Francisco taxi drivers. You never know what they are going to do and about 90% of the time, you can bet they are going to accelerate through that yellow light and fly through the red.

My routine takes me up Sutter St. which is one way going west for a couple of miles before it becomes 2 way, filled with a gradual climb, a few rollers and eventually a great flat section. True fun on a fixie. Although the traffic is steady and fairly fast there is less mayhem that riding Market Street which is another blog in itself.

So yesterday is not unlike many others and I'm catching all the lights trying to stay to the right but occasionaly moving left to avoid the crazy right-turners who nver look for cyclists. I'm flying up Sutter and I see a cab on my left. I glance over to the driver and lo and behold, this guy is the spitting image of Osama Bin Laden. I kid you not. I think to myself "Shit, no wonder they can't find him, he's here in SF driving a cab and probably making decent $ as well". It's gotta beat having to come up with intricate terrorist plots and probably a bit less stressful....Now what's so weird is that this morning I read a blurbin the SF Gate from one of his mistresses:

Bin Laden's Mistress Reveals Whitney Houston Obsession

Osama Bin Laden once had the hots for Whitney Houston, according to a woman who says she had been Bin Laden's mistress against her will in the 1990s.

Sudanese writer and activist Kola Boof, 37, claims she was intimate with Bin Laden years before he masterminded the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, and in her autobiography, "Diary of a Lost Girl," she claims the world's most wanted man fantasized about pop star Houston.

In her book, Boof alleges Bin Laden joked about killing Houston's husband, Bobby Brown, and then inviting Houston to join his harem.

She says, "He had a paramount desire for Whitney Houston.

"He mentioned her constantly, how beautiful she is, what a nice smile, how truly Islamic she is, but just brainwashed by American culture and her husband."

Go figure??????

My favorite Martian.......

Well, that's the nickname I've coined for my best pal who lives in Hawaii and is here staying with me for a few days. She is a true Hawaiian in all respects with a heart of gold and an affinity for the Ocean and her traditional heritage.

My Favorite Martian is experiencing a new phase of life, her only daughter is leaving the nest and is beginning a new phase in her life. Little Emma, MFM's (Pu'uwai) or heart is here to attend USF on scholarship and is leaving the nest for the first time. She is 18, bright, athletic, a sound head on her shoulders with only the stars and moon to reach for. I know she will excel at whatever is set forth. She is full of love and confidence bestowed by her Mom.

No big deal we think as Emma embarks on the beginning of her journey as this is quite normal and a great opportunity. Indeed, but nonetheless My Favorite Martian is experiencing a certain sadness as her Pu'uwai will no longer be at home. It's not that she doesn't want her to have the opportunity to grow and is confident that she is a well adjusted loving child. It's just some sort of natural instinctual feeling that MFM cannot ignore. Interesting thing.

MONET IN NORMANDY.......

ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL ART EXHIBIT IS GOING ON AT THE PALACE LEGION OF HONOR.

I am always amazed when viewing great art close up. To see the intricate brush strokes and varying patterns that all fit together to create such vivid scenery boggles my mind. To be able to envision the final product by thoughtfully applying layers of colors on the canvas astounds me. I am in awe of those who possess such great talent.

Monet's collection from the region of Normandy are truely spectacular and many of his works resemble the Northern California coastline. It is worth seeing.

RANT******RANT******RANT*****
WARNING TO CYCLISTS RIDING THROUGH SAUSALITO:

The Sausalito cops are out in full force to show us bicyclists who the boss is. Obviously they got to much time on their hands cause I got pulled over this A.M. by one of Sausalito's "finest".

I was shocked when I heard the siren and when I turned around and saw the flashing light, I realized he was pulling ME over. I'm thinking "What the hell did I do". I know better and stop at the Red lights...So,I pull over and he tells me I have violated 2 laws.
1) I was riding outside of the bike lane and 2) wearing earphones in both ears. I had no idea it was against the law to wear headphones! Apparently 1 ear needs to be open....That is BS! Perhaps in a car where you are much more isolated from the feel of the road, the wind and elements bombarding you you can be less aware of your surroundings but on a bike? First of all, the music is never so loud that I can't hear cars. I heard him, didn't I???

Wow, I am shocked. Here it is, 8:30 am in Sausalito, there is very little traffic so being outside of the bike lane doesn't seem so life threatening. I had no idea I was violating the law. He (for some reason) just gave me a warning on that one.

Apparently the 2nd violation is much more serious as he asked me for my drivers licence. Good thing I remembered to put it in my pocket this am. He (Mr. Happy cop) asked me if I had any outstanding warrents or arrests, and although I said no, I really wanted to say "Yes, it was me who KILLED JonBenet Ramsey and I was about to rob a bank this morning"...but I held back. While he checked on my crimminal status, he handed me some piece of paper to read regarding bicycle infractions which I couldn't keep but only read.

I realize I am taking my own life in my hands anytime I get on a bicycle but I think the police should be spending their time looking for and dealing with real crime. Let's face it, if a car hits me (or I get car doored by being in the frikken bike lane) I will be hurt, not the car. I accept that is a possibility when I ride. If I choose to listen to music, I should be able to. I can in my car. Damn,If I want to, I can blast the music sooooooooooo loud in my car with the windows up that I can't hear a thing. hmmmmm.....Seems like the Sausalito police are a little bored these days.

So if you ride that way, be good boys and girls..or else you too might get a ticket!

THE GHOST OF BICYCLE PAST.......

I'ts certainly been a strange year. Sidelined by an elbow break and a non healing wrist fracture, my "normal" bike crazed adventures had to take a back seat.

No crazy 4 day Raid Pyrenees, No Marmot in the French Alpes, No European Col bagging in the Swiss Alpes and Dolomites, No high Sierra Epics, No Rocky mountain adventures and thank god :) No Everest Challenge..... Well at least not this year.

All in time. I will start plotting next year's Epic soon. I'm contemplating Le Trophee de L'Oisans which would be an a** kicking 4 events over 2 weekends. LaVaujany, Le Prix Des Grandes Rousses, La Marmot, and La Grimpee De L' Alpe. 3 out of 4 include Alp D'huez. The final race La Grimpee being a TT up Alp D'Huez...

www.sportcommunication.com has em all....check it out.. Maybe you'd like to join me. Then again, ah maybe not . You may be a bit more sane. I was able to coerce my bike racing friend Carrie to join me and she rocked! We both finished in decent time and enjoyed the experience. Crossing the finish line on the Alpe D'Huez after the Col de Croix de Fer, Telegraph and Galibier was a great relief. Hey Maybe I can get Carrie to come along again....

What am I crazy, well yes..How many other 40+++(geting closer to 50 than I'd like) year old women want to do such a crazy thing. Apparently not that many since I was the 10th in my age group when I did the La Marmot 2 years ago :)

So here I go, time to plot. Time to get my bike Mojo back in check. Nothing like a good physical challenge to keep me motivated..........Especially after this crazy year of involuntary bike limbo.

I'm not done !

A MUCH SIMPLER EXISTENCE

Life in the slow lane...The countryside outside of fishing town of Cordova is quiet with lots of wildlife. Especially at this time of year when the Salmon are still spawning.

The bears are plentiful. We have spotted quite a few grizzlys catching fish and patroling the area. They are massive yet quite majestic as they roam along the streams looking to pounce on their next meal. We make sure we keep enough distance as if they decided to charge we'd be up s**t creek. Even though Sue brings along her pepper spray we know that a shotgun like the one's she and her coworkers carry while out in the field with the Forest Service would be a safer bet.

On a hike today we knew we were in prime Bear territiry as all the signs were evident. As we descended the ridge on our return from our hike, we ran into a man out walking his dog who told us his dog had chased down a bear, so we now knew we'd better be aware. Sure enough the dog darted out and we heard loud barking only to see a huge brown bear across the creek standing on his haunches looking not to amused. Although we were a ways across on the trail, my knowlege of their speed and power made me not want to stick around and wait. We kept going. Then the darn dog starts barking again and another "brownie" darts across the trail and up the hill into the bushes....Oh jeeze, that dog is starting to get on my nerves. Nonetheless we keep a "not-so-surprisingly faster pace back to the road......Hey after all we are in THEIR territory, it's best to lay low.

I will bid farewell to Cordova as tomorrow we take Ferry (4 hours) journey along the Prince William Sound to The Big City of Anchorage. The city girl in me is ready to step up this super slow pace....

WHAT DID YOU DO THIS SUMMER, NAPOLEAN?

"I was in Alaska shooting (ah, in this case fist fighting) wolverines,....... Gosh....."

GO TO ALASKA, CLUB A BABY SEAL: what else????........I arrived in Juneau late Friday night after a flight delay to find rain, rain and rain. Saturday morning the weather was no different. The Juneau (Douglas Island) Marathon and 1/2 was ready to roll. Somehow, coming from the California sun, I wasn't too motivated to be running 13.1 miles wet. But what the hell, I was there. Man oh man, I got soaked and at times thought if I would have seen ANYONE (hint my sister) that I knew driving in a car, I would have conceeded and took a ride, but to no avail. I ran but not with inspiration. I was slow. My hands and legs were COLD and wet and the road was rolling but straight. The kind that allows you to see way to far ahead.... Since it was overcast and raining, there wasn't much to view so all I could think was "I can't see the finish, oh well keep running...." Eventually I made it to the finish....No more of those for me. At least for a while..

Today, Sunday we flew to Cordova, the sleepy fishing town of 2500 people where my sister lives. I'm a bit suspiscious as most folks wear "Extra-Tuffs" rubber boots and heavy duty rain pants....Rainfall is 160 inches a year. That's about 150 inches more than I like. I could never deal, but 2500 people somehow do and so shall I, for now....

JUST 2 MORE DAYS......

Then I'm heading north to the wild frontier for a week of fun and frolick in the land of salmon, bear, eagles and moose..

I arrive in Juneau where I'll I've entered the Douglas Island 1/2 marathon (got to see what it's like running with glacier views). Yes this is my LAST one then it's back to bikes, bikes, bikes :)

My sister will meet me there to cheer me on and then be my Alaska guide for the week. She is one of those eccentric Alaskan transplants who lives in the small town of Cordova (approx 2000 peeps) and loves it. Her job with the Forest service keeps her healthy, happy and able to live the lifestyle she adores. Me, I'd go crazy as I'm waaaay to social but hey to each his own.

After Juneau we will head to the booming metropolis of Cordova where we plan to stay in a Forest Service cabin (secluded hike in) followed by some rafting in a Glacier area. A bit of Peace and Quiet will do me good and spending time with my older sibling is something I don't often do.

I'm looking forward to immersing in the beauty of the land, the abundance of wildlife and the vast open space..... Good for the soul.

EAST meets WEST

Even though the idea sounded great: having my scaphoid bone repaired by grafting a small piece of bone from the distal section of my radius and rerouting some blood vessels to the area to give more blood flow for healing, the process didn't necessarily work. 5 months after the surgery, the doctor says "hmmm, looks like the proximal end of the bone may not have healed. Good news the bone graft is still there and not degenerated, but I'm not sure what's going to occur. You may as well just use it, ride your bikes etc. and see what ensues in the future. worst case senario is that you will develope severe arthritis and have to deal with that later".

Oh great, I went through 5 months of frustration only to find maybe it didn't work? Oh well, such is life. In the meantime, the PT I was prescribed was Bull s**t and all I got out of it was a lot less $$$. So I decided to take another option.

I met with Dr. Thong Zhong, licsenced acupuncturist from China in his chinatown office and told him my story. "While your at it", I say, Can you do something for the severe arthritis I have in the knuckle of my middle finger that I got from an old rock climbing injury 7 years ago?" "Oh sure, that will be easy" Dr. Z says and he proceeds to inflict intense pain by sticking his fingers and pressing on tendons and joints with great glee. This acupressure is not for wimps, I think, as I am cringing trying not to wince to badly. Then comes the Moxsha. Special herbs are burned and passed ever so close to the skin warming up the areas. Just when you think it's all over he pulls out the needles....I hate to look as he sticks them strategically in my elbow, forearm, wrist, fingers and hand. If that weren't bad enough he then pulls out the electrical stimulator and places the electrodes on the needles and turns up the juice. I now can not only feel but see my muscles flickering as they pulse with the current. Oh man, I can't look. He leaves me in the room and I just have to sit still for 30 minutes. I have read the only poster on the wall addressing afflictions of the foot by now a hundred times so I find myself drifting off into a meditative state.
when he returns, he advises me to exercise and encouages me to "make more strong" as he is quite an advocate of sports. He listens with open ears when I tell him of bicycling and even though he cautions me to be careful, he get's a kick out of my bikes and can't believe how light they are (compared to the basic made in China bicycle).

So, is it working? Hard to say BUT my arm and wrist feels stronger, is still stiff but not quite as bad. The arthritic finger seems less inflamed, hurts less but still isn't "normal"...So for a while I will continue to get pummeled and stabbed and electically stimulated until I make no more progress. No matter what, I have seen better results so far with Dr. Z than traditional PT...