Pumps - and the winner is....

Take a look at all my bicycle pumps - enough of them - seven of them in all. The largest-longest one shown is the first and the best pump I ever had and it fit underneath the top bar on my bike. but that was when I was using a camelback for my water. Now I use water bottles and I can't pull out the water bottle with the pump on. So.... I bought a smaller pump but it was too big around. Then I bought a smaller one but I couldn't get a lot of air in my tube. So I bought another one and another one and another one and yet another one. Was I ever going to find the right pump? Finally I did... and it is placed over my other pumps. Maybe I'll start a bike shop.....

Sleeping Bag

You all know this is a camping trip that I am going on. I was told it can get very cold in the desert at nite. It was suggested that we get a rated bag. I don't like being cold so I went online and found a bag that is -25 degrees - a very toasty warm sleeping bag. Check it out -it's almost as comfortable as my mattress at home. It is big and comfy and very warm - very plush!!! The sleeping bag inside the compression sack is just about as big as my piece of luggage. for sure it is another piece of luggage.oh well, I will be warm! ..... and let the snow fall...

Mary

Once I decided to sign up for the Coast 2 Coast ride, I knew I had to do more than just ride my bike. I joined the Bladium Sport club in Alameda and was assigned to Mary Lathrop - my personal trainer. I asked for strength and endurance and she certainly gave me that.

At the beginning Mary had me sweating so much - I would go home exhausted from my workouts and flop on the couch - not to move again that day. I kept reminding Mary to go easier on me as I was an old lady. She would just smile, chew her gum and tell me I stll had 3 or so more burpies, situps or whatever I was doing at that time to go. As time went on I could feel myself getting stronger. Mary is the best!!

Feb 10

Today Rachel, Fred and I rode Calveras out by Sunol. What a great day and a beautiful fun road to ride. 30 miles of sunshine and roller coaster type hills. Good company and good training for all of us.

There was a cute brown cow in the road. I know he wanted to get back to his herd but didn't know how. I just hope he was able to get back in before a car came along and hit him. The road was quiet - only a few cars on it so I'm telling myself he would get to safety.

My next door neighbor Fred is retired - wow, how I love that word - Retired! That's me - Retired!!! Anyway, we ride together a couple of times during the week. We head for the eastbay hills on most days. We ride pretty close to the same pace so that works out really well.

My Bike

Well, here is the bike that I'm riding cross country.  My custom-made Steve Rex bike.  Steve Rex is out of Sacramento.  I have so many compliments on this bike.  I wish I was as bike savvy as others so I could really appreciate all the great aspects of it.  I just know I love this bike and when giving some thought of buying a new bike for my trip - I decided to go with the old and true.  When you look at this bike - it may look purple - but it is Heather Rose Gray! Remember - Heather Rose Gray - not purple :-)

My bike does not have the standard 700 tires but 650. My friends call it a bikette!!