Inland Empire Women Cyclists

Refreshments and raffles after our 40-mile bike ride. Got to know some new friends, and catch up with others I hadn't seen in years. There were almost 40 women who rode together on routes from 10 to 40 miles.

Mary is sporting one of the Inland Empire Women Cyclists team jerseys! Lots of fun and a great day to ride!

   It's been so much fun to meet new friends and plan future rides with the Inland Empire Women Cyclists in Southern California! July 30 the group, which is organized through Meetup.com, celebrated it's 2nd Anniversary with a variety of routes starting at the historic Claremont Train Depot. The 40-mile ride rolled at 7 a.m--sharp!!!! I got there just in time to say a few hellos, and then catch the pack as they headed up toward the Claremont Colleges. Although much of the ride was on city streets, we also utilized the Thompson Creek Trail in the city of Claremont, and the Pacific Electric Trail through Rancho Cucamonga.
   But what I really like--and dread at the same time--are the hills. We rode into the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, but nothing too steep or too long. Even though I'm not the best climber,  I've learned to push through the challenges and keep a steady cadence. I tell myself, "I LOVE hills." Emphasis on LOVE! But doing those hills was nothing like a ride Ruthie and I did a few weeks ago in the San Bernardino Mountains, 28 miles round trip from Rim of the World High School to Keller Peak, with the destination The National Children's Forest. I don't know what the elevation gain is, but the last 4 miles is extremely intense climbing, the kind where I question buying that compact double chain ring instead of the triple chain ring with the much-needed granny gears!
   Our next big organized ride may not be until August 27, in the Tour de Arrowhead (www.lakearrowhead.net), Lake Arrowhead, Ca. The mountain climbs will be crazy--41 miles of climbing, climbing, climbing. Good thing our Team Chain Gang will be there to support each other!