Urban Dictionary--Granny Gear

granny gear	64 up, 21 down
	The smallest of chainrings on a bicycle with three chainrings. So easy to pedal your grandmother could ride it. That hill was so steep, I wish my bike had a granny gear to get up it. buy granny gear mugs & shirts bicycle bike gear granny mountain by JoshCyclist Jan 19, 2006 share this add a video
3.	granny gear	30 up, 17 down
	The smallest of a triple front chainring set. Called a granny ring because, like granny, it doesn't have many teeth. You may have to drop it down to granny gear for this steep pinch.      Sometimes, it's helpful to have a granny gear on your bike. My mountain bike has one, with the triple chain ring. My renter bike in NYC had one, even though we didn't use it. The steepest 'hill' was the Brooklyn Bridge! But my roadie? Nah. Just something called a compact double, which supposedly has the same gearing as the triple chain ring. So far it's been ok, and I've got my fingers crossed that that will continue. I know there will be times when I need that granny gear and I'll wish I had it!!! April 21--Southern California. Cycling around Bonelli Park, Ruthie and I paused for this photo op. Great fun, and a couple of good climbs, including the one along the frontage road of the 57 Freeway. This ride was from Claremont to Bonelli Park, twice around and back to Claremont. April 10--New York City. A gorgeous spring-like day as Ruthie and I toured over 15 miles of Manhattan and Brooklyn, using streets, bike paths and bridges. Our group included a family of Belgians, a young Italian couple and a Russian man.       We crammed in those 15 miles around Manhattan in slightly under 7 hours. Not quite our usual pace, but the stops for the historic and informational tidbits were priceless! We saw Washington Square, the High Line, the Packinghouse District, the Stonewall Inn, the 9-11 Memorial Site, Battery Park, China Town, Wall Street, and more, and rode across the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. Granny gears not needed on this trip! But we did have to dodge pot holes and pedestrians, taxis and trash trucks. PediCab in Central Park April 9--New York City. Having never seen the sights in Central Park, we took an hour-long pedi-cab ride through the park. It was amazing, and our guide was full of fun facts, showing us where movies had been shot, politicians and celebrities lived, and where the city people relaxed and played. A rewarding investment of our time.  Bike Parts Bike parts--Sometimes, it's just helpful to know the parts of your bike, and this graphic very cleverly describes those.

Team ChainGang

Big Bear Lake, Ca.--(l to r) Ruthie, Kylie, Lisa, me, Kim, Dana. These awesome women are just a few of the members of Team ChainGang. We completed a training ride from Running Springs to Big Bear Lake, riding the route that the professionals had done in the Tour of California a year ago. And it was absolutely, stunningly gorgeous! We paused on the north shore at the boat launch, and Sharon, our awesome, incomparable SAG driver, took this picture.  From there, we rode around the North Shore area, through Fawn Skin, crossed over to Big Bear Village, past Boulder Bay and then across the newly completed bridge at the dam for the climb out of Big Bear Lake and back to Running Springs. That route is absolutely one of my favorite rides, with panoramic vistas down Bear Valley, mountain peaks visible from the Arctic Circle, and a glimmering lake to top it all off! 

Bekka's Bike

Mar. 6, 2012. Claremont High School senior Rebecca Evans poses with her new bike.

(L-R) Me, Rebecca Evans, Principal Brett O'Connor, soccer assistant coach Rosalinda Castillo.

(L-R) Larry Sheetz, me, Rebecca Evans, Dennis Smith, Tom Shelley, Tim Tipping.

     Yesterday, a really cool thing happened. People here in Claremont got together and presented a kid with a bike. But, it seemed like more than that, and I've been smiling as I realize how this all came together, and am just so grateful to have been a catalyst.
     Last fall, I noticed a senior on campus who rode her mountain bike to school frequently. Sometimes, she stored it in our PE office, since she was a TA, and a soccer player who had played for Rosalinda, my colleague.
     The bike was a total beater; or should I say 'totaled beater!' The tires were rotten, the chain crusty and dirty, the wheel out of true and misshapen with broken spokes; the brakes were nearly nonexistent. I noticed that even when it was 100 degrees outside, she'd still ride, so we started talking and I got to know her a little. She talked about moving briefly to the Deep South so their family could get housing assistance. And I learned from her counselor that she had worked hard, utilizing an educational plan so that she could get additional academic help as an underclassmen and work through some learning disabilities. But she was on track to graduate, and I knew she was an awesome soccer player.
     Yet, she needed that bike as her main form of transportation and sometimes would ride it home from school events in the dark.
     I thought to myself, "Wow, this kid could use a break." So, we worked together to refurbish the bike, replacing the tires, cleaning the chain, working on the brakes. But, it wasn't long before I realized that it needed more than I could give. I know a few bike maintenance skills, but this bike needed more!
     Then, in December, while at a CycleClaremont event, I met Dennis Smith, the past president of the Claremont Friday Rotary, and mentioned this need to him. He explained that their group had given bikes to needy younger kids, but he'd check and see if there would be a possibility for Bekka. This was the beginning of our "Bekka's Bike project," a true coming together for good with our local Rotary, community members, senior cyclists and teachers on campus.
     The next month, Dennis called me, and said they had voted to give Bekka up to $275 for a bike, which was awesome! But we needed more, to be able to obtain an adult bike that would not only take Bekka to school, but on to a local junior college. I excitedly described this to Rosalinda, and began sharing this need, asking our teaching staff and administration to pitch in, as well as local cycling enthusiasts, including the Claremont Senior Bicycling Group. The response? Incredible.
     We quickly raised more than $600, with the Claremont Sunrise Rotary group coming on board, and teachers making donations without knowing who the bicycle was for. Just a needy student. And they gave generously. Like teachers do. In February, Dennis, Larry Sheetz, Tom Shelley and I were able to pick out a bike, a beautiful hybrid cross-bike, at Coates Bike Shop in Claremont. And to top it off? Coates generously discounted the bike, and we could add a new helmet, floor pump, rack, lights, water bottle cages, mini pump, under-the-seat bag, and $25 gift card.
     Yesterday, we put together a presentation ceremony, attended by Rotary Club representatives, the CSBG,  CHS faculty, soccer coaches and administration. And we put a smile on a kid's face--and our own--as Bekka received the bike. She said, with tears in her eyes, "I've never had such a nice gift in my life."
     And you know, for just one moment, all was good in the world.

• Footnote: On Saturday, March 3, Bekka helped the Claremont HS girls soccer team win the CIF Division III title with a win over Aliso Viejo HS. Way to go Wolfpack! They finished their season 31-1-2. Congrats to the players and coaches. 
• A special thanks to Dennis Smith, of the Claremont Friday Rotary Club, Larry Sheetz of CycleClaremont and the CSBG, Tom Shelley of CycleClaremont and the CSBG, Tim Tipping of the Claremont Sunrise Rotary Club, Corey from Coates Bicycles, and Brett O'Connor, CHS Principal.

Biking in Alaska--Aug. 2011

Sharon, me, Ruthie and Jan--ready to roll on the Tour de Fairbanks. Being on a bike anywhere is a treat!! Sharon and Jan have friends who own a bike and kayak shop, and they hooked us up with splendid 2-wheelers. Ruthie and I found speeder bikes in the back of the shop, dusted them off, and had a wonderful 15-mile ride. Jan and Sharon opted for a cruiser and a cross-bike.

Me, Ruthie taking a break along the trail. Fairbanks, surprisingly, has an extensive system of paved trails throughout the city. We cycled along the Chena River, by the University of Alaska and to the Air Force Base and had a blast.

Which way to LA?? Fairbanks was really cool--literally! Look at how we were dressed on this August Day! At least we got a day without rain for our ride. This picture was taken in a downtown park. (Ruthie, Sharon, me.)

What's better than a speeder bike and new adventures in a new city? And one that's only slightly below the Arctic Circle? We had to keep our eyes peeled for moose and bear, and frost heaves which regularly break up the pavement.

Fairbanks under the watchful eyes of the natives and early explorers, depicted in the statue behind us.

Art throughout Fairbanks and all of Alaska is always delightful to discover, whether served up through practical purposes, like these whimsical bike racks, or on building-size murals, or the collection of antlers (below) shaped into an arch.

     The 10-day trip to Alaska in August was so memorable, so wonderful. First of all, we had the most wonderful hostesses in my sister, Sharon, and her partner, Jan. They've both lived in Alaska for over 20 years, and their jobs required them to travel throughout the state. Sharon is a skilled mapmaker, who has run her own business as well as completing government contracts for various projects, including mapping the migratory patterns of caribou elk, mapping all the toxic waste sites throughout the state, mapping which native villages had indoor plumbing, and mapping ecological effects of various pipelines. Meanwhile, Jan stayed busy as a neonatal intensive care nurse, flying to remote locations in helicopters to assist with infants having difficulties. That sounds pretty impressive, but, in essence, they are two sincere, fun-loving individuals who like to explore and try new things and go new places.
     Sharon escorted us the first few days to the Kenai Peninsula, where we tried salmon fishing, although not too successfully. The 'professional' fishermen (ok, the 10-year old boys fishing right next to us) were pulling them out, but we could only pull in one for all our efforts. And, yet, even that was awesome, because it's just soooo beautiful watching the river flow, seeing the fish swim by (hmmm, well that may have been a little frustrating), and being on the look out for bears, moose, caribou, eagles and other wildlife.
      Then, we rolled back to Anchorage, packed all our things in the car, and headed out to points north, including Denali National Park, Fairbanks and Chena Hot Springs. The rolling hills were beautiful, covered in white birch and pines, and although the drive was long, it seemed to go fast. On our return, we stopped in Talkeetna, which is well known to mountain climbers as the jumping off spot to climb Denali. Climbers will hire a guide and air service, and fly to the glaciers below the peak so they get a good jump on the summit. The locals spruced up their homes and businesses by painting and decorating plywood mooses in creative ways, and it was fun driving around town trying to spot them, while marveling at the creativity.

Restaurant featured on the Travel Channel's Man vs. Food.

Sometimes you can get kissed by a moose!

Those moose are amazing!

This one was described as a "moose-quito."

Ready, All Ready! Bike MS Coastal Challenge is Oct. 1 and 2

Aug. 27, 2011--Below Lakeview Point on Highway 18. Team ChainGang pumps it out! Kim, me, Kylie, Lisa and Dana.

Aug. 12--With my friend Cindy. A 4-mile hike and fantastic dinner! My legs were sore for two days from the steep downhill section! Super cool event started by Missy from the Mt. Baldy Lodge. 300 people attended.

Aug. 12--Moonrise over the Notch at Mt. Baldy.

    As these final days pass, leading up to the BikeMS: Coastal Challenge, I find myself so grateful to be able to ride my bike for this wonderful charity. This is the third year I've been able to participate, helped by the donations to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society--and good wishes--of so many. Margaret and Gerri, Debbie, Doreen, Mark, Sharon and Jan, Barbara, Susan, Marcia, Staci, Ron, and G and Sid, even my mom--to all of you I say thanks. Your donations totaled more than $1000, and I appreciate your generosity. Often when I ride, I remind myself that I'll recover from sore muscles and fatigue, but that those with MS will continue to struggle with balance issues, and tingling in their hands or feet, or lapses in memory. I ride for those who can't, so that someday we can find a cure.
     Reflecting on that makes me philosophical--but just momentarily until my practical side takes over! I had a great time 'training' over the summer, from hiking in the moonlight up to Mt. Baldy with friends, to paddling in Newport Beach around Balboa and Lido Isle to cycling in the farthest north place possible: Fairbanks, Alaska!













 

On the Road. Again.

ANCHORAGE, AK--We photographed the TV weather report on the last day of our visit. It was particularly amusing to note that, with the temperatures forecast to be in the high 60s, "Summer is Back!"

     ...And back! It was a wonderful 11 days in the Great State of Alaska, visiting family and taking in all the breathtaking scenery and plentiful wildlife! Moose and their babies, grizzly bears, Arctic hares, sandhill cranes, eagles, lots of salmon and so much more! There were so many highlights, that I'll only recount a few.
     We flew into Anchorage on a direct flight from LAX on Aug. 2 and were greeted with rain showers--good thing we brought some much-used North Face rainwear!!! We experienced intermittent sun for the duration of our trip, but then again we visited a rain forest in Seward, Ak., and what do you expect?? It didn't matter to the salmon, who were headed up the Kenai River. But it did keep the mosquitoes at bay, so it really wasn't that bad!

RUSSIAN RIVER--gorgeous scenery but the red salmon proved elusive. Only the experienced fishermen--ok, the 10- and 11-year olds--were pulling them out! We tried our best and had a great time at this spot, but the fish escaped us! They practically would swim right between our feet. I still loved it, and we did get to keep one fish. Yummy!!!

RUSSIAN RIVER--mighty fashionable brown high waders, but they did the job and my feet didn't get wet! That's my sister, Sharon, decked out in the blue in the background. She hooked one in the belly, but had to throw it back because you have to catch it by the mouth! That's the rule!! The water here was about knee-deep, or to the top of Sharon's boots!

     While we were on the Kenai Peninsula, we stayed in a hotel one night and then drove over to Seward and were able to enjoy a remote cabin outside of town that had no running water, no electricity and a rather nice outhouse down a wooded path.  But, it was comfy to sleep in and just a great place to relax. We could play card games until 11 o'clock at night and not have to worry about turning on the
lights!!

SAVAGE RIVER VISITOR CENTER--those antlers were heavy!

     After those three days, we headed back to Anchorage and picked up Jan for our drive up to Denali National Park and Fairbanks, as well as a side trip to Chena Hot Springs. What beautiful scenery! On our trip into Denali, we boarded a park bus at 7 a.m., with our backpacks loaded with food and necessities for 12 hours in the park and no concessions! We saw grizzlies chowing down near the side of the road, moose, and in one memorable sight, a grizzly in a river wash guarding a downed caribou, and protecting it from other hungry predators. The bus driver described the whole story of how two wolves had brought it down, only to have the grizzlies move in four hours later and chase them off. It was truly the survival of the fittest, and rarely seen by tourists on the multitude of buses in the park.

DENALI NATIONAL PARK--Aug. 8, 2011. Blowing snow caused us to cut short our visit to Denali National Park. This photo was taken at the Eielson Visitor Center, the last stop before Wonder Lake, which on a clear day provides the most stunning views of Mt. McKinley. We visited here briefly, then caught another bus back down to the park entrance because of the weather. That would be Ruthie and me underneath the parkas!

FAIRBANKS--we paused in front of a statue commemorating the early settler. Sharon, me and Ruthie.

FAIRBANKS--we rented speeder bikes at a bike and paddle shop along the Chena River, and had a great breakfast the next morning at the home of Nancy and Larry Katkin. Fresh blueberries that Nancy had picked made the pancakes awesome!

FAIRBANKS--beautiful flowers, wide open skies at this commemorative statue.

     In Fairbanks the next day, we were able to rent bikes from friends of my sister, who owned a bike and paddle shop along the Chena River. It was wayyyy awesome! We walked through their shop, looking at mountain bikes, hybrids and cruisers, then spotted a couple of dusty speeder bikes. Aluminum frames, 27 speeds, one was perfect size for Ruthie, and the other one fit me perfectly! In fact, I'm not sure mine had been rented previously, so we dusted them off and hit the trails. We took a 15-mile loop around the city, entirely on bike paths. Alaska has quite a system of bike trails along their streets and highways, but you have to be prepared for the weather!

CHENA HOT SPRINGS--I enjoyed a sumptious meal of fresh spinach, veggies, grilled chicken with a raspberry vinaigrette dressing before we hit the outdoor hot springs. Best meal we ate in Alaska, and the produce was all grown on site using hydro-thermal power to heat the greenhouses. Those are the hot springs in the upper photo.

CHENA HOT SPRINGS--this series of pictures was taken at and inside the Ice Museum. Wonderful ice carvings and a chance to freeze our butts off. We opted out of the chance to have an appletini at the ice bar, complete with a glass carved entirely of ice. You got to take the glass with you--but eventually it melted in the warmer air outside!

SHARON AND JAN--our lovely hostesses enjoying the Ice Museum at Chena Hot Springs!

Ask Me Why I Ride

OCTOBER 1-2 2011
Ventura, CA
San Buenaventura Park

   Although I got my first bike when I was in college, it wasn't until a few years ago that I really began riding with a purpose. I don't know what I was thinking when I was a student and got an apartment four miles off campus. I couldn't afford a car and catching rides to campus was sometimes hit-or-miss. But I did have a bike--a beautiful bright lime green one with 21 speeds and drop handlebars. The bike shop guy said it had the same components as the 'name-brand' bike, but it was cheaper--and I wouldn't have known the difference anyway!

   Riding that bike, and playing on the university basketball and softball teams, helped get my resting heart-rate down to 44. And when I moved to California after graduation, I packed that bike with me.

   But somewhere along the way, it was lost, stolen, given away, or sold at a garage sale. I didn't have another bike until over 10 years ago, when my friend Lisa challenged me to start riding again, and taught me the basics. How to use clips, cornering, cadence--we all start somewhere. Using clips was probably the most difficult. I couldn't seem to get un-clipped and get a foot down successfully without falling!

   I improved slowly and riding became a release of sorts; it felt good to be on a bike!

  Then, one day, Lisa called to say she had been diagnosed with a disease called multiple sclerosis. It was April, 2005. MS affects the nervous system by destroying the myelin sheath and the progress of the disease varies in individuals. According to the National MS Society:

• 400,000 Americans are living with this unpredictable disease
• MS affects 2.1 million people worldwide
• Annual economic cost of MS in the U.S. is approximately $28 billion

   

   While working through the effects of the disease, Lisa began to challenge those around her to step up and join a team to raise money for the National MS Society, riding in the annual BikeMSSocal fundraising event, held in Ventura, California. The team, called TeamChainGang (www.TeamChainGang.com), last year raised over $20,000 and was recognized as "The Most Spirited Team" at the October, 2010, event. Check out our picture (below) and maybe you can see why!!

Ventura, CA.--TeamChainGang celebrates a successful ride at Bike MS-Coastal Challenge in Oct. 2010.

   So, why do I ride? I ride to raise awareness of the devastating effects of MS; to raise funds to fight this disease and make a difference in the lives of those stricken with MS. Any contributions you can make will go to support education, advocacy, research and local programs that will enhance the quality of life for people with MS and their families. It's a privilege to 'pay it forward' and fight this disease by simply riding a bike, and I'm grateful to be healthy enough to do that.

Mission Statement for Team Chain Gang:  A cycling team dedicated to making a difference for people living with MS and to raise awareness about Multiple Sclerosis.

If you would like to make a donation, please click on www.bikeMSSocal.org and locate TeamChainGang or my link: http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Bike/CALBikeEvents?px=6112310&pg=personal&fr_id=16936

Why do I ride? I ride to raise awareness about the devastating effects of MS. I'm grateful for your support and prayers.