Ren's World

I dreamed a Dream...

2009-04-18T05:25:00.000-07:00

...yes I admit - I too am caught up in all the Susan Boyle hysteria. Why not?? An average person - who has had challenges in her life, gets one shot to do something really big, and even in the face of laughter and cynicism - she takes that one shot and makes her dreams come true..what a story...

- no - my story is not so great - but it does involve taking one shot and making something of it.

SEA OTTER 2009

I have never raced Sea Otter in any capacity. I've gone to watch, gone to cheer, but never had the desire to race it. This year was different because I was mountain bike racing, and if you race mtn bikes, you gotta race Sea Otter (Snotter) at least once..

A couple of weeks or so ago, Carrie made an announcement on a local MTB list that Crankbrothers was running a deal - demo their wheels and if you podium, you get to keep the wheels....these are thousand dollar wheels!!! "shit!" I thought (after just having a great race at the Napa Valley Dirt Classic) "its worth a shot". I mean..they are cobalt blue - close to the color of my bike, and light as hell. So I closed Carrie's email, got online and reg'd for sea Otter, then sent an email to Crank Bros.

Three days later, these beautiful wheels show up at my door. It was hard NOT to focus on the possible outcome of this race - even 10 days ahead- knowing that I might possibly keep these wheels - "don't get ahead of yourself - stay in the moment" I kept hearing my coach say.

anyway - the Saturday before my race, Paule and Julie met me at the course to pre-ride. As fate would have it, circumstanced dictated that I would pre-ride the course at about the same time as I would be racing on the following Friday. PERFECT! It would give me a chance to see what wind was like at that time, and the temp. I always like to pre-ride at the time of day I race. but MAN! I did not like the weather...those damn gale force winds?? and 50 some ass degrees?? C'mon! this is California and this is Monterey? What the hell?? But I kept reminding myself that I needed to feel this to know (hopefully) the worst it could be. Julie was kind enough to remind me - it could be worse - it could rain too :) awesome.

Race Day:
I got to Laguna Seca on time, got everything together, and even got on the trainer to get good and warmed up. Chris was kind enough to fix my back disc so it wouldn't rub...I knew my strategy for the race - be the first to the single track, recover on the first bit of single track, and then I knew the various places i would eat, recover and push. I was worried about the mental aspects of the last 2-3 miles...the slog up the hills. I don't mind the physical aspects, but the mental of looking up and seeing nothing but rolling hills in a head wind - nah..not so high on my list. Leslie offered me a great piece of advice just before my race " dont look up- just ride and see what you need to see"...I held on to that.

Start was about 10 minutes late, but when we took off, as usual, I went like a bat outta hell. it was the nervous energy I am sure, but we rolled around the track and as we came around the first turn, I got hit with a wind wall and I thought the better of this stupid strategy..I sat up, and there were two girls with me who passed, I got on their wheel. I stayed there.

On the fire road, I passed them ,and as we approached the single track, I saw Katy. I told her I was coming up and I Was going to pass - she got on my wheel...SHE WAS AWESOME out there! she stayed with me, protected my back, and passed people when I passed. You don't have domestiques in mtn bike racing, but this sure felt like it.

more climbing - sand chute, road..single track climbing.. and I have a shadow. there was one woman I just could not shake. I watched her and always tried to keep up with where she was. if she tried to pass on an uphill technical I took the other side and would speed up. A couple of girls from other groups passed me, but I just let them go. I even walked my bike up one hill because I was overheated, legs tired, and I knew the run up would be a sort of bike recovery. it paid off.

Now its time for the damn fire road out. I see my shadow ..but I take off - weaving between the carnage of men who know today won't be there day..They cheer me on as I go, and I don't look up at the hills. I just keep going. Before I know it, I hear the marshall say - one more hill after this. I pass Brin (sp?)..another mouse, and he watches my back as we come into the finish. and then poof -- its over...and I am done. I look up the hill and see Joie..her race is over and she is chillin.

time for results...I really wasn't sure at this point where I stood. what if the girls that passed were in my cat? what if I had let my win go?? No matter. I executed the way I wanted and as long as I made the podium - the wheels were mine..tick tock .....

Results...a huge grin covers my face...yeah - that's my name in first place...ME! I won my category at sea otter. I did! I was amazed! my third mtn bike race and I win!!

well..maybe not. For some reason at the start, they split our category into 40-44 (my group) and 45-49. There was talk of recombining us for results..no WAY! then the girls I let pass WERE my competition! I could handle it if they were some girls I started with, but I didn't give chase to these?? A little distraught, I waited for the official results (and..not so patient if you ask those around me...)...

The UCI judges decided to keep our division split, so YES- it was me on the top spot! YAY for me! Katy held my phone up so Tif could hear as they announced my name. wow..speechless.

...and the wheels are mine. I walked over to the Crankbros tent, claimed my victory, and watched as she noted that I got to keep the wheels. I have to say a VERY special thank you to Crank Brothers. I am a 41 yr old beginner Woman (no I don't sandbag)...and for US to have the opportunity to win such bling is unheard of in the industry. Thank you for giving someone like me the chance to win something so amazing. I can't say enough.

- thanks for reading today....I will post a photo or two when I have some....

I TRI'd....

2009-03-30T06:49:00.001-07:00

yeah...something I really thought I would never do. triathlon..hell, half the time I don't spell it right - Secretly though? ever since I was a teenager i had a dark desire - I would try not to look at the Triathlons on TV, or read the magazines. I didn't want anyone to know. When I finally took the step and bought a magazine - still not wanting to admit to the world that I was "that way" - I hid it under books on cycling. I cleared the cache of my laptop because I didn't want anyone to know. Its not normal - this wanting to do 3 sports all in one day - one right after the other. I knew it. After moving to California, I was afraid there would be a proposition against it.

Being gay is a much easier lifestyle than admitting to this abomination...

Tiffney changed all this for me. and it was so easy to come out with her...i mean - I needed a way to cross train during the off season for Cyclocross...afterall, isn't EVERYTHING about 'cross season? I decided to start running to get better cardio - I was already swimming....and then one night over dinner- whilst staring at my peas, I think I said "honey - i think I may want to do a triathlon" - glancing over at her with one eye, while still trying to stab peas with my fork, I saw a smile come to her face. She wasn't completely taken aback..she welcomed the idea - and so it was...

telling my cycling friends was another matter entirely. God! I stayed in the closet for months, telling Cathy "a friend of mine was asking about wetsuits"....but then - well, I finally rationalized that since my first Tri was an offroad tri (swim, mtn bike, trail run)- its not like regular tri -..so I must be ok. ...and then I was a little better with telling people.

Obviously, I can't do anything of this magnitude without having Giana guide me along the way. Oy - she is such a forigiving soul..and able to deal with all the changes this Gemini can produce. She patiently listen to me ramble, then put together a training schedule that fit me perfect -and even gave me room for the umpteen changes i would inevitably make.

Race day finally got here, and I was thrilled (no really) to get up at 3:45 a.m.. Did all the prep the day before (Mia was my coach as I practiced the transition areas the day before). Got the coffee, got in the car and headed out. I knew it would be a good day.

After checking in, getting my body marked, and my TA (that's tri speak for transition area) space, I finally pulled the wetsuit on for the acclimation to the water. The 50m walk to the water on that "pebble sand" was harsh. the water, however, was much MORE harsh. a balmy 56deg. I got in..and the moment I felt the water trickle down my back from my neck to by butt crack..I knew there was no turning around.

The official gave the 10 min call...and my stomach took it to mean it was time to growl! no time for food - shit. I forgot my preswim Gu..oh well..just deal for now.

I am not sure WHY all the mass start bike racing strategy seemed to leave my mind when we lined up...WHY did I start in the middle of the pack? WHY didn't I line up to the outside, or inside? Why did I think it was oh so much better to line with the guys who are head butting each other while we are waiting for the start? awesome Ren..perfect.

So we are off...and suddenly its real...we run into the water, and I start swimming...(note to self - smoke colored goggles do no good in the sunrise sun..can't see a damn thing)..."just keep swiming" I told myself in a Dory sort of way - out of no where, some guy bitch slaps me from the right ...well - maybe not meaning to be a bitch slap, but i was not expecting it-and I had to re-situate my goggles.. Then, some guy gets in front of me (again, I am not sure where he came from), and just kicks me in the face. even better, as I am recovering from that, some guy swims over me.. ENOUGH - i think to myself,and I slow up and let everyone pass.

As I finally start to swim again, I can't get air in my lungs. Either cold shock, or panic - not sure which..but one of the two of them have taken my lung capacity. I raise my hand for a kayak - "I can't do this" I tell myself. What was I thinking? I am a bike racer - not soem fit tri-geek who can swim in this water and be warm? I can't pee in my wetsuit! why am I even out here... - all those things I used to tell myself when I was a bike racer. The difference was - back in my roadie days, the negative usually won. now, I am a singlespeeder and I dont' quit. Plus, I knew if I stopped now, I would be in the same spot the next time I tried a TRI..and I knew there would be a next time.

So, I held onto the Kayak, got my bearings and went again. Another kayaker paddled next to me so I wouldn't be alone. it was ok...I thought I was a swimmer until today..give me lanes, and warmer water with no chop..and that was the swimmer I was. but today was about finishing, and that is what I did.

After getting out of the water and walking (psuedo running) to the TA, I did all the right things, and got on the bike..oh thank God..my trusty steed..I had won a mtn bike race on this course. Iwas good to go. the bike leg reminded me that I Was an athlete, and that it just takes practice. after completing the bike leg and coming into the TA, I was able to pull the 'cross dismount, ride on one side of the bike on my way to my spot. I was totally stoked about that...

.....but then it was time to run - well hell - there went my happy place. and - for the first time ever in my athletic career - I had to pee while in the middle of a race - holding it while running is not the most pleasant experience. I need to rework my pre-race fluid intake....

running..still overrated - and still painful. I ran some, walked some...and in general kept wondering when the damn run portion would be over. those people I passed on the bike passed me on the run, and kept telling me "good job - almost done"..yeah right.. what ever - then I remembered - I had said the same thing to them when I passed them on the bike.

All in all, my goal for today was really simple... I just needed to finish. and that I did. a whopping 2:38:17...many minutes slower (like 30) than the fastest in my category..and 41 slower than the target..but that's ok. I am a bike racer trying to become a triathlete... I have a ways to go.

and the next one can't get here soon enough...

No really...

2008-12-28T08:51:00.000-08:00

Today is the first day in several days that I actually felt like raising my head off the pillow. Seems a little unfair that on a 5 day weekend, I spent most of it glued to the sofa. But today, I was determined to get some kind of ride in..I go stir crazy if I don't get on my bike.

I should have known something was up when I went out to grab the Single speed...the low airp ressure in the back tire should have been some indication. Instead, I air up the tire, and decide to leave my floor pump at home - not really sure why I did that. I mean - I drive an Element - its not like I have to be efficient with my use of space - but I chose to do it anyway.

Off I go - I arrive at the Alpine Inn with such high hopes for the completion of my singlespeed ride - I get everything ready, pull the bike out - and there it was..the full on flat. Awesome - now I am 30 minutes from home, no floor pump, and one spare tube. I race through options. See, the trick is I have to be home by noon today. I am actually trying to squeeze a ride in during the "off hours" as I call them - namely the hours when the family is a sleep and I don't risk missing a "honey do" item...

I race through my options - I could try to change the tube - I have a spare in my camel back - but a hand pump.hmmm...a possibility. I dig around in my camel back only to find that I have no tire tools. The day is getting better by the minute. "buck up Ren" I think to myself - go home, change the tube, get an hour's ride in..not the greatest, but its better than nothing.

When I got home, things didn't get any better. Still no tire tools, and the seat bag for my road bike (always have tire tools there) seems to have disappeared. I start to laugh ..you know that laugh..the one of complete disbelief? "No really..." I think to myself "what did I do to deserve this this morning"... I have 7 bikes in my garage - 5 of them rideable today - so what's the problem you ask? if you are a cyclist, you know that there were several signs this morning that I was unprepared. Not having tire tools is a SURE fire way to get a flat on a ride. and as much as I love riding, I have tried to learn from my mistakes over the years. So, here I sit, typing on a keyboard, cleaning my office, trying to find tire tools, knowing the bike shop opens in an hour, but too late for me to get the ride in today.

Guess I will try again tomorrow....

....the most important parts of Christmas

2008-12-25T07:32:00.000-08:00

....batteries. yep- if there is one thing I have learned over the years, its have batteries on hand. All shapes and sizes - and my mom gets it. Everyone giggled when Mia opened her gifts from my mom and one box was batteries. it was PERFECT! Mia loves to open gifts, and we were gonna need all those batteries.

check out my gift!its awesome...OF course the batteries my mom sent don't fit this - so, at 6am, I am off to the "Open 24hrs a day, 365 days a year" Walgreen's to get the batteries I needed. And now, I am crashing my car into everything. Its amazing how quickly I become a child when given a toy (or a bike) I like...

Not much to write today, except Merry Christmas to all...or at least Happy Holidays. I need to go fight Mia for the Remote to my car!

On to new things....

2008-12-20T18:16:00.000-08:00

- I Want a belgian waffle maker...plain and simple - this family needs one.

Tomorrow, Peak Season Cyclocross kicks off, and I am BEYOND excited!!! No- I haven't ever raced it, but from what I hear, this is the closest I will probably ever get to Belgian cross. I am racing as a B tomorrow - time to go on up.

Mia is roaming around the house tonight. Already she has instructed me to get her a podium tomorrow...oh- no pressure there, huh? a 2 1/2 year old saying "just get a podium"..oy - I should never have taught her that...O well - first race as a B - i will be happy to finish.

And in other news - nope there isn't any. Just watching mia run around with my CCCX medal from last week.

cheers!
ren

what a week!!

2008-12-19T15:27:00.000-08:00

wow..it sure is nice to be home this Friday afternoon - sipping a well-earned glass of wine. This has been a bizarre week - luckily, its calmed down for me. The majority of the courseware is done, my boss is headed over seas for a few weeks, and next week, Mia gets to see what Santa brought.

But as I sit here, sipping a fine Pinot - playing hooky from my training ride (because I CAN!), I gotta say -President - Elect Mr. Obama - I am mortified by your choice of reverends for your inauguration.

For just a moment- let's set aside that we queers rallied behind you, and took you on your word. Let's forgo - for a moment - the fact that Tif and I aren't really sure if we will remain married (don't roll your eyes ...we all thought "NO on Prop 8" would win, so I don't want to hear it) - For a moment, lets rally behind the call of Unity..reaching out to the other side - I am not sure if Bill White has a facebook page, but maybe you could call him to join the inauguration? I mean - afterall - it is the same, isn't it? Rick Warren says I don't deserve rights in my Constitution..just like Bill feels about you..so how is it different?

As I sit here, typing this, I am reading that the YES on PROP 8 folks have entered a motion in the California Supreme Court to have my marriage nullified. Awesome...does that mean I get a refund on the ceremony? The marriage certificate at least? What about me scares them so much?

I am nervous - I don't deny it. There are several pastors that scare me...but I can deal with. Jesse Jackson? he would have been a good one..hell! My mom's baptist preacher would have been ok - he thinks I'm evil, but he hasn't called me the names that Rick has. So..President-Elect What will be the next compromise as you reach across for Unity? Will we continually wait until its a "good time" for you to stand up for our rights? I just want to believe what you told us. I have hope - please don't make me regret it. This isn't some trite issue...this is really serious to me, and my family. This divided our families..there are those of us that lost family members over this vote.

OK..off my soapbox. Glad to see my ankle is healing. I am SO ready for Peak Season this weekend. Thank goodness I am racing my bike this weekend..lets hope I can keep my Form!!!!

Until next time..keep the rubberside down.

Age...

2008-12-14T08:04:00.000-08:00

Age is an interesting thing...as Children we do everything we can to get older - as adults we do everything we can to stop the process. its a funny thing to watch with Mia - she ages daily - both in years and in wisdom. Pretty amazing child.

My BODY on the other hand, is not aging so gracefully. one day, Mia wanted to count "menay's boo boos.." all but one scar (well two if you count the one where my brother hit me with a golf club) are all from cycling. Bones drilled, plates screwed in..whatever - when I get a boo boo I make sure its a good one.

I have been fortunate that my knees have always held out. Not really sure why or how they have, but they have - until now. They suddenly have decided to show me that I am in fact getting older. This fascination I have with riding my bikes in less than perfect conditions - hopping off, running and jumping over barriers - not exactly what some might call -oh...smart. but I love it - its intrinsic to my happiness - but not to my knees and their happiness.

This morning as I get ready for my next 'Cross race - my pack regimen made me sit down and write...
helmet - Check
arm warmers - Check
Kit - check
Knee warmers - check
advil - Check
Glucosamine- Check
Naproxin - Check

and I tuck everyting into my mouse back and go about my day. Yes - I am sure I will pay for much of what I have done to my body as I get older. ...older than today. Yet another good reason for marriage - I have someone to help me around the house - and I think she knows it.

Growing old gracefully was not something I ever thought seriously about. Oh- I will do the best I can, but I am going to blow it out on my way there.

..now I gotta go race my bike...

Oh...here I am again...

2008-12-06T10:47:00.000-08:00

after almost 3 years...I am starting this thing back up again..Why? well - A few days ago, Tif said - "I wish you would start writing" - I laughed it off - but then I rode my bike today, and it all made sense again.

A few days ago, I bought a single speed...not because they are the "in thing", but because I am trying to move as far away as possible from Road racing. anyway - destiny was in my favor, and Lauren was selling hers. Off I went to pick it up.

This morning, I finally got to ride it. yep - I took it to the most perfect place for a 40 yr old body to take a Single Speed - Arastredero and easy hills. At 7:30, I rolled into the parking lot - frost covering the wooden fences. Geese, flying in formation reminded me where the idea of drafting came from. So I bundled up, hopped on my new trusty steed - and headed out.

As adults, right now, there are so many things going on in the world that take us away from being children. I firmly believe that most of us ride our bike (or at least started again) because of that inherent attachment to childhood - cruising down the street or the hill - not a care in the world -just having a great time. no fear of falling - no fear that tomorrow the recession will over take us..no fear that tomorrow - a constitutional amendment will be enacted to discriminate against us. We want that feeling - we want the escape..and while I often lose myself in my ride - today I was truly taken back to what cycling as a kid was all about.

There were no gears on my first BMX bike - I had a pair of Oakley handlebar grips..yeah - I really did. a red Raleigh Rampar Bike, Kusuki Gooseneck...lord knows what handlebars. Dont' even know what cranks, wheels, or pedals I had. how funny is that? - these days, I read the fine print about everything - Shimano XTR, or SRAM XO? Dura Ace or Red? what wheels? blah blah blah.. Today I remembered what it was like just to go out and ride...instinctually at times my thumb did try to shift - but in general - I just enjoyed being out there with nothing to worry about.

Ah..winter mtn biking...sunny warmth..freezing shade...the things that make childhood come back so quickly - and give me so much to write about... :)

its good to be doing this again.

...and so another adventure comes to a close....

2006-05-12T08:41:00.000-07:00

yep..that's right - today is the day I get into 11A, or 22J and sleep for 10 hours and end up in Friday 8 hours earlier than when I left. I have a little issue with having 2 fridays that I have to work, but I will get over it. I always wanted to add a few hours to my 24 hour day.

So, in my deep reflection, waiting for my last meeting here in Japan (and other wise ignoring the need to pack), I have to say this trip was not nearly as bad as I thought it would be. Remember how much I didn't want to come over here? wow. time had flown! what a way to spend the waning days of my 37th year (that too was painful to write)..

and in my constant quest to improve diplomatic relations (since my government can't seem to) where ever I go, I thought I would share some of my major achievements this trip~

1. the Starbucks in Shinjuku now understand what a quad latte is.
2. I was able to convince my hotel to serve oatmeal for breakfast one day - instead of pasta salad 3. I learned how to bow like nobody's business
4. I taught a few folks to say "easy tiger"
5. I tried morning stretching with large numbers of elderly folks - until they put me to shame
6. There was no cursing (and hence no cavity search) with Autralian customs
7. My bike now proudly carries Japanese and Australian flags.
8. I learned to drink hot coffee out of a can
9. I never tried to embarrass myself by speaking Japanese
10. the apple lady learned to say my name ..but I could never understand hers.
11. I am more familiar with the tokyo sunrise than sunset.

and as my last adventure in Japan this trip...I walked proudly through the skyscrapers of Shinjuku with a sleeveless shirt....my tattoos were proud.

thanks to all of you for keeping me company this trip. I am in the US for a few days before vacation, and then home for a few weeks it seems..(may need to work on that). so for now, I will be tucking the blog away until the next great adventure.

ciao!

Ahhhh....international travel...

2006-05-07T14:56:00.000-07:00

It was bound to happen again- I mean there was NO reason to expect that I would never hear the words "ma'am, please step over here and take a seat", when going through customs..but for cripes sake! Australia?? c'mon?! Germany, sure! Its a regular to have them want to harrass me (someday I will tell you about the time I had to leave my bike in Berlin) ...but the land of Oz? Its that damn morroccan stamp...

so - this morning, again, as the little prince, I was not concetrated on the matter at hand (traveling), and ended up leaving my rings and bracelet at the hotel..lovely..then at the airport, excess baggage fees - what can I say - 9 bottles of wine will do this. oy..

but- the airport..that was lovely- no strip search this time, but the numerous questions..and the hand search of my bags...luckily my bike was already checked..but my pedals? that took some explaining, until I saw my cycling shoes sitting there and I put the two together...Funny, on the cab ride over, the driver asked me why I was leaving so early....well, I had forgotten what it was like to have an hour in security..alas..was loads of fun..

Oz has been a great, fun, intoxicating trip...I can't WAIT to come back for holiday next year!!

Now lets see how hard it is for me to get into Japan! FIVE days until US soil...God! it seems like forever...

cheers!

The Ultimate of Destinations...

2006-05-06T19:00:00.000-07:00

If you have ever been out with me, and I have been able to get on the subject of wine, you know that DeBortoli Shiraz (98 vintage to be exact) is by far my nectar of the Gods. Perhaps part of it is the memories of my last visit to Melbourne, but, even locals here say the '98 vintage of shiraz grapes in the Yarra is by far the best. And I went through CASES of it in atlanta.

you really can't get Debortoli in most of the US any longer. and living in California, I have substituted well, believe me...but there was NO way I was coming to Australia and not going up there.

so Saturday morning, I awoke to beautiful skies - the Yarra is about 55Km from the city (60-70 the way I get lost), so I decided to ride my bike up there. I carried my back pack, cause I knew I wanted a bottle of something....I felt fairly certain I was not going to find a '98.

It was the MOST perfect fall day. I haven't had a good fall since I have been in California. No offense meant to the state, but the east coast knows how to put on a fall day! well, so does victoria Australia....it was amazing - brisk and sunny.

I took a northern route to the Yarra valley - through the Dandedong range and some nice hills. I rode through forrests of Eucalyptus trees, and kept my eyes out for koala's and kangaroos (I have YET to see these elusive creatures). when I hit the valley, for a moment, I really wondered if I was in the Yarra, or was home in Glen Ellen - it was amazing.

I rode around, trying to remember the route to DeBortoli ....of course there was no map- pointless to even ask... but I did find the winery. and in the end, after making friends with the sales person, she went to the back and found 6 bottles (SIX) of the 98 vintage. Now, if you were reading above, you know I am on my bike..and about 55km from the city. I already had bought a dessert wine for the family...I couldn't carry 6 more bottles. but I could carry 4! so, after packing my backpack full of wine, I started back towards town...I kept telling myslef that I used to ride with this much extra weight...I have lost 15lbs over the last few years, so this was just a reminder...yeah..right...

Never ask a non-cyclist if a route is flat...anything short of the Alps or the Sierras is considered flat. Even to call this route "Rolling" was pushing it...but it was flatter than the dandedongs. And as I rode, I thought about Ted and Holmes - they would understand WHY I had to do this.

As I rode, I had some old bloke drafting me. At a light, I told him to go ahead of me because I was weighted down. He said he noticed my weight pack... when I told him it was five bottles of wine he said "oh..so you train like a TRUE aussie!" -I was honored...

In the end, I made it back just after dark. I survived - other things didn't, but that is another story for another time...

Today - I had to buy a suitcase so I could carry my wine home..via Japan of course. tomorrow I go back to the land of the rising sun...

I have to say, even after 5 years.....I could still live in this town. Its like a smaller version of san Francisco - complete with the vineyards nearby....

hmm...maybe I will go for a short ride today and see where I end up...

cheers mates!

haircuts

2006-05-05T02:21:00.000-07:00

...Well, the shane look is gone. I am not really sure why I said "oh sure, we can go shorter" today, but I did. Its not as short as the last time I was here....shaved on the sides and platinum, but its still shorter than I expected.. It'll grow - and then I will be complaining again because it s too long...

ONE WEEK UNTIL I HIT US soil...ahh yes, then land of Bush's and loud tourists. Funny, here in Australia, they tell me that the US is "suggesting" to american's that we be a little more "culturally sensitive" when visiting overseas....uh yeah..ok.. and could we do aweay with the Bermuda shorts and black socks - oh..and about 50lbs too? sorry..don't want to upset mom, but man!~ we are a piece of work sometimes. Funny, I met some american's who have been living over here for 2 yrs - they thought (when they arrived) that the americans were misinterpreted...now they see - nope..we are just americans...

(sorry mom)

I have had two (yes - TWO) steaks since I have been in Oz..wonderful. Oh..and I have had two hangovers - but the two are not related. I forgot how much I missed steak. monday I go back to fish paste rice balls and Soba (not complaining about that), and starbucks.

And as ALWAYS - my Ritchey has been SUPER supreme!! we are off to ride to the Yarra Valley tomorrow.

I haven't taken photos here...sorry..it would be like me taking photos of home. but maybe tomorrow - I am headed to the bar where I was still banned until a few friends here begged the barowner to let me in.. :) oy....

cheers!

Tram tracks...

2006-04-30T22:41:00.000-07:00

I remember them from the last time - Sean reminded me before I left Japan, Richard reminded me the night before...but for some reason, it was my luck to meet them again this trip.

Melbourne streets are covered in tram tracks. And for any cyclist, tram and train tracks can be the death of any good ride...and it was for me too..

Perhaps the pouring down rain should have been an indication that I should stay off the bike...but no...I had to get out there..oh well. I thought I was crossing it straight. I thought my wheel would make it, allas I was wrong...

Its like feeling your front wheel on black ice - the wheel just went out from under me. and in the pouring rain -I went over the top, and landed on my helmet - Damn good and solid. I cracked that magnificently. There I was, laying in the middle of the damn road, thinking to myself "and me knee was just starting to feel better..dammit" - oh well.

so in the end, I have a new really cool cut on my leg from the track, and the usual scuff marks from road rash...

.....sometimes I wonder if I am really cut out for riding a bike...I am not so sure ... :)

and then there are days like today.....

2006-04-28T22:50:00.000-07:00

April 29 , 2006, 7:39 am, I am being told "g'day mate and welcome to Australia!"...ahhh back in Oz...

I have made the initial toodle around to my favorite part of Melbourne...Brunswick Street...a place where the Haight -Ashbury meets "my two mommies"...little 5 points but wilder - a haven for Ani fans draped in rainbows.... And, as I wandered down the street, past the bike, S&M and clothing shops, tucked over in the corner..there is was...Volare cafe - home of my favorite flat white on Brunswick - so of course I ordered two - you can always hope a guest might show up at your table :)...or you really like them and don't want to wait....

its fall here, so I really am lucky - i will have two falls this year! not a bad thing for someone who loves the season! I didn't have my camera today -will tonight though..goin out with some friends who were responsible for my debauchery the LAST time I was here...

many trips down memory lane to be had here, and I look forward to them -

And for those of you not living in my head...why is the date and time so important? Well, 2 years ago, as this time passed in Cali, I decided to skip the ride with Thing 1, go solo, and kiss the windshield of the SUV..ah yes...that day...don't worry - I won't post photos from that day...

ITs been an incredible couple of years since then, huh? I promised not to get soft today, so a simple thanks to you all ...not a day goes by where I am not thankful to have been given a second chance. The last year has seen my cycling and my career excel -and if all goes according to my master plan, the next year will be even better....

though not racing this year, my bike and I are back on the road and having a ball. we'll have photos tomorrow!!!

ok..off to have some wine!

Ciao--wait no..sayon--no....how about...
cheers mate!

Heading to Oz in Style...

2006-04-27T21:53:00.000-07:00

Ah yes....After a 20 hour work day and now up to 29 hour day...i am ALMOST done packing....I had a a bit of wine left, so I have made my toast to Japan (my 6th glass in my entire visit), packed the bike, packed (and I really suck at packing) for Oz and am trying to make sure I get every single sock outta this place...of course it doesn't really matter - I will be back on May 8...and the ENTIRE hotel is already preparing for my return..not so sure that is a good thing.....

so, Bond is playing on my Mac...and I am still trying to remember where exactly that little passport thingy is...you would think in a room the size of a broom closet (but MUCH better than the broom wagon) - one would not lose such an important piece of documentation...ah to have a Q and get a new one...wait..I have a Q but he can't help me...he's preparing for MOAB baby!!!

Off I go to the land of Victoria Bitters Beer (I dont drink it), DeBortoli(I do drink it), Mr. Potato Head, and Polly's bar..if we can get me back in the place.....

.......and lets see if I can get a match to my Victoria Police uniform shirt I got the last time I was in Oz....

TWO weeks until I see the amazing view from the deck in Glen Ellen, and see Jr..my jeep.. in three GLORIOUS weeks.....VACATION!!! no treo, no laptop, no existence...and if you didn't know it..I really can disappear...and live without any electronics...just watch me. :)

ciao!

food labels...

2006-04-26T12:38:00.000-07:00

Having lived abroad in various countries (living = in a country for longer than a month at a time, and no room service) over the last few years, one of the things I have come to appreciate MOST everywhere I visit are the food labels.

When I was in Sweden (my first living experience abroad), I had a flat, and I had a kitchen.. and I wanted to cook..that culinary side of me. but the problem is the cooking instructions on the side of the box are in a different language..temperatures, amounts - those are in arabic numerals, so I could fake it to some degree...but until I learned very basic swedish, it was a challenge.

that challenge continued through my stint in Germany - luckily, Oz was pretty easy(a version of English) - and if there was a question to an amount, I just added a pint of beer.

But Japan?? No..that is WAY different...forget numbers...they are in Kanji..The japanese are adament about calorie counts, so I can usually find that out fairly easily..but as far as ingredients? uh no...my nightly food is a rice cake, or rice ball..on my ride Saturday, I got a rice ball stuffed with a fried egg and.....ketchup..blech! Tonight, (well at 4:30am), I picked up what looked to be my normal rice ball...until I bit into it and found that it was a rice ball surrounding god awful fish paste...the label looked the same to me...

So..enjoy your food labels today...its the little things about home that you take for granted when abroad.....we'll talk about the wine situation another time...

Ciao!

Oh the things you see....

2006-04-24T03:46:00.000-07:00

Now, even in California this is just not something you see...these little gems started popping up over the weekend, after our last little shake...and what is with the catfish?? like that is going to help with the warning? I have learned here in Japan that the worse the news, the cuter the character...

wow, its been a month! time has flown - I ca'nt believe its almost over...I was thinking today about how I prayed for time to go by while I was in Spain..and here, it has simply flown. by the end of the week, I will have 1000K on my road bike...pure, unadulterated Bliss!

So, Saturday, I ran into this guy, and he was kind enough to pull me for about 10 miles. There is something to be said for being a chick on a bike...cept I wonder if he heard me coasting behind him... I tried to pull, but he would signal me behind him..kinda like Sean in morocco. but in this case, I just sat back and drafted.

When we came to this street sign, he pointed to it, like I was supposed to know where to go...and don't even ask...my map was at home....

and now I am in my last week before I am off to Australia! Ahh yes, a week in Oz~ and even the same hotel I was in 6 years ago..and that is a good thing! Muscle memory should bring me home after a night on the piss. Ahh the memories of Australia... should be fun!! :)

OK..this one shook me a bit

2006-04-20T11:57:00.000-07:00

Since I have been here, rumblings, shakes, whatever, have become a weekly occurance. Earthquakes actually happen quite a bit. But tonight, sitting on the 8th floor of my office, Sean and I stared at each other as we counted until the shaking stopped. I suddenly realised that his face could be the last I see before my guardian angel. ....and that scared the hell outta me.

Funny the things and people you think about when you're not sure what the next thing will be...Spending eternity in Hell with Sean, and the fact that I would miss my next flight to Germany, and damn..I didn't ride my bike today......

so...here is the link to what "rocked my world" tonight..
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/recenteqsww/Quakes/usltay.php

OK..off to the fish market after work to watch the tuna auction...I hear its better than macy's the day after Thanksgiving! ...and of course now there will be a bike ride today..

Oh..and will someone please tell me where I can put in for my guardian angel to get a raise?
ciao!

NIRVANA

2006-04-16T21:28:00.000-07:00

...Need I say more?? Oh yeah Baby!! Mexican...well sorta..the chips were grand, but they are very protective of the salsa... And the fajitas arrived on a 5inch dish..3 slices of chicken and 3 of beef...I wanted to ask if this was just the "prep" for the main course...but they didnt speak English or Spanish, and my japanese is still on par with my German (actually I may know more German), so it was pointless...BUT it was nice to have a taste.. :)

and the metric century milestone has been passed enough to say that my legs will be ready for a realy century in June...If I can ever stay home long enough!!!

Ciao!

Ode to the Little Prince....

2006-04-15T03:00:00.000-07:00

It is no wonder he ended up in so many places ....I guess if you spend your journey pondering the true matters of consequence, your journey ends up taking you to different destinations....

(....that is a really philosphical way of saying that I wasn't paying attention today and have NO idea where I was....)

I have a new way of riding...I find ONE road I can get to (usually either the one in front of my hotel, or the one in front of Starbucks) and I just go - turning down random streets along the way..and now, I am getting better about knowing the various city names around, so when I end up lost, I can usually head in the right direction...

As I rode home today, and the sun was setting, I thought to myself "self, it doesn't matter if I get back after dark! You were smart and put the lamp on the bike!"....and then I rode over the train tracks and watched as the lamp came crashing down on the pavement. Brilliant. Luckily, I did know where I was....but it was dark when I got home...thank goodness I had my tail light... :)

Tomorrow is a ride down to the big open air market to see what I can find for Ian...

And....since I have NO idea about what is going on with western religions over here...I know there are four day holidays in Europe starting with "good Friday" - probably means Peter Cottontail is on his way, so

HAPPY EASTER from Japan!

cravings have now started

2006-04-12T00:52:00.000-07:00

Years ago when SiD and I would ride, we always knew when the ride was getting half way because the conversation started going in the direction of where we were going to eat on the way home, prior to stopping at Whole Foods to get food for dinner....one thing SiD and I could do was eat....

Well....this morning I woke up to cravings, and they only got worse on my bike ride. Green grapes are out of season now, so they are running about 11.00 a lb now...if I can find them. So..in Japan, here are some of the things I would really like to get my hands on...non of which I want the "healthy version of"
Peanut butter...the good stuff - Adams....
Pancakes - Stacks and the garden cafe...
oatmeal
cookie dough
Sonoma Wine
Sugar corn pops

BURRITOS
margs
tacos
...oh that list could go on.....

now I have found a mexican restaurant that I will brave this weekend...Kinda curious what Jap-Mex tastes like..should be interesting. And though I love Japanese breafasts...seaweed and soba do get to be a little much for even me...

I did get a ride in today. No rain,..but humid! lordy - thought I was in Atlanta....

rambling done...

ok...since a few of you have asked

2006-04-11T11:56:00.000-07:00

No- I don't typically end up in photos I am taking...in fact, I do my best not to show up in any photos...however..since some of you have asked... here is a photo of me ..and NO its not Japan...

..............................MOAB BABY!!!.......................

Finally...I made it to the destination!

2006-04-10T10:17:00.000-07:00

Granted the destination was pretty broad - I just went to visit buddhist temples and shinto shrines around Tokyo...well, and to play in traffic. I am sure this is a leftover from childhood. whenever I was a bit much for mom, she sent me out to play in traffic...

So - -I have put the photos out where you can view them all. I am not going to go through all of them here. they are located at:

moabrulz.shutterfly.com/action/?a=0BYtmjdo3YsXLg

Oh..but I have to share this one...I can't get away from Spain...

Sucker hole....

2006-04-08T03:00:00.000-07:00

In cycling, a well known atmospheric phenomena that produces a "nirvana-eque" blue sky and sun...until the furthest point in the cyclist's journey, at which time the "hole" closes up, and torential downpour ensues....yep..that sums up my day...70KM in - ya'd think I woulda gotten a clue with the typhoon type winds. Everyone else is walking their bikes across the river bridges, oh..but not Ren..no..let's build those triceps the HARD way...

See, you go from what looks to be a sunny day to wondering where the mountains disappeared to, and why suddenly you are having as much trouble controlling your bike as Hincapie in the Roubaix this year...anyway... his was a steerer tube..mine was 27mph winds

And when its time to come off the bridge? ahh..you take the stairs...with a little ramp down the center for your bike...:)

Japan also has another phenomenom that I have found...even with a map, "lost" is a constant. I am fairly certain that the rain washes away route #s. Riding along, following the map...suddenly *poof* numbers are gone..no where to be found. and the way I thought I came? pointless. all the streets and the buildings look the same.

I did get lost again today...no Hakone thanks to the rain. But I was able to see some amazing areas....I even saw the hills...again, a clue should have been the forboding darkness that over took the hills...I thought it was smog..on a Saturday. Wow, even writing that admission is painful.

So..Photos are of various locations along the ride. It really is like El Camino or Peachtree Industrial..even at 50K, (about 31 miles), I am still going between the sidewalk and traffic.

The sidewalk is more dangerous than the street for me...I was overtaken by a GANG of 8-10 yr old boys...it felt like 50 (I think it was 12), who didn't move as I tried to pass them on the sidewalk..the wall kept me upright as I rammed into it...and tore my Saturn thermal. :(

152Km today...little ego in that one..I had told someone I would make 200 today. oops.

And finally...along the way, a little reminder of my buddy Finn. Don't have many Jack Russell's here, but Corgy's and Dachsunds abound.

my poor tattoos...

2006-04-05T23:17:00.000-07:00

So, as some of you might remember from last year (my maiden voyage to Japan), I was told to cover my tattoos if I wanted to work out..because "if you have them, which a woman should not, they should be covered". Ahh the drama, you probably thought..does Ren ever do anything normal?

Check the photo..yeah..that part where it says "no tattoos"? This is the flyer I got for the local gym so I could join. I was ALL about it - a swimming pool, free weights..the whole bit! and I got home, started doing the math - then read the damn fine print...NO TATTOOS....oy. I thought I could swing the free weights - just wear longer sleeved short sleeve shirts.. but swimming? nahhh..the little prince waves at everyone when I am swimming.. - scratch the healthclub idea.. .

And in other news - Sean and I will head to Beijing for a weekend while he is in town. Sean was my escort to Morocco. For some reason, I enjoy going to countries where I need a male escort - and some how I have to pull a visa off....hmmmmm

I am off to Hakone tomorrow - its 200K round trip and through some hills. The goal is a round trip ride..I will settle for an overnight.

Good LUCK to everyone at Sea Otter!
Ciao!

and for my friends in Northern California

2006-04-04T05:45:00.000-07:00

as you all build your ARKs, and have the rafts ready~ my tan lines are coming along JUST fabulously, thanks to my four hour ride today.... :)

During my trip to Spain, one of my bosses commented that the problems I was having helped to build character. On my bike ride today, it became apparent that character was being built again...more like the characters of "Lost in Space"... how is it that I can get SOOOOO lost SOOOO easily. ....oh..yeah...probably had something to do with leaving my map in the hotel again. what started out as a 40 K ride ended up a 60K ride..did that once in Glen Ellen, and when I got home I asked Giana - "so..was sebastapol on my route?" she just shook her head, and asked "forgot your map again, huh?" -seems to be a common theme...

Anyway - about the roads here ...suffice to say I will be ready for Market, El Camino, OR Peachtree industrial when I get back....

no pics..just rambling as I wait for equipment to reboot....

Beware BAZILLION year old guys on bikes!

2006-04-02T18:18:00.000-07:00

yep...I think the 150 yr old woman I passed on the bike the other day had her homies out for me! 6:15 this morning, I am cruising along when a guy on a cruiser (circa 1950) tboned my back wheel! but-thanks to those incredible EB crits, and having Hardcore and Sno lean on me- I was able to compensate and keep going! the ninja attack did not work today, but now I know - the street is safer than the sidewalk!

would you believe I made this trip with NO (and I mean NO) Bond movies...but I did make it with the LWORD and the 2004 tour de France...now..which one do you think I am watching?? Silly kid...I am watching the tour!

that is all to report from SUNNY - but windy Tokyo today. I start the 9pm -6am shift tonight...

ciao!

It really IS this good!

2006-04-02T01:17:00.000-08:00

6 years ago, one Sunday, I went for a ride around Melbourne,Australia and it went down in memory as my most fun ride since chasing my brother on BMX bikes....that was - until today.

Today was one of those days that I just didn't want to stop riding. It held off from raining until I got home, but I was on my bike and around Tokyo for 5 hours on and off. I got lost and somehow found the Equestrian park, where I took in some show jumping. With all the time up in Sonoma and at the barn, it was interesting to see the Japanese jumpers. The riders were no where near as graceful as the jumpers in the US...and the horses where no where near the size. But it reminded me of home.

I ran into a Japanese / Korean festival where I ate a "Mexican" taco - well, that's what they called it -doesn't qualify as anything near tex-mex..but it had guac on it. A rice flour tortilla is not the same..

yeah, and in general, I was just out playing on my bike. I thought about Spain today and wondered if I would have felt differently with my bike...yeah, I am sure of it. But here, the bike is everywhere, so drivers know how to deal with it. As Sean said (the guy who traveled to Morrocco with me and kept me in line) - if I had tried to ride in Madrid, my wheels would have been stolen off the bike WHILE I was riding.

OK..so I am going to stop this now..there is a MAGNIFICENT lightening storm going on - with the skyscrapers around me, its pretty amazing -

Until next time~

Off on the first Adventure!

2006-04-01T01:02:00.000-08:00

Wow...So today was my first day here on Tokyo just to play - well, it wouldn't have been, but for some reason, the hand scanner at the office didn't like my hand and I couldn't get into the office at 4 this morning. TOO BAD... :) Now lets compare Spain to Tokyo (in terms of work) - Spain, spy phone, constant wireless access, no badge needed for building during installation. Tokyo - NO spy phone, no access to corporate email, and (evidently) the wrong hand..NICE!

I went out on my first pure cycling, with no timelimit, adventure. And since I wasn't at the office, it started at 6:30 am. You can ride on sidewalks and streets here, but no highways - and they are literally highways (up above the rest of traffic). I was heading out of town when I ran into a guy from Orange county, on his way out to Saitama - he offered to show me the way, and I took him up on the pull. (that's Mark out in front of me)

the cherry blossoms are simply stunning and so graceful. Its amazing to see the entire culture taken in by this - not just adults, or just children, but everyone in between. this is the Tamagawa river that has a bike path on each side... BTW, ALWAYS have a bell - I learned that - I yelled at people to move, tried to make noises, but to no avail....until I got a bell. then is was like the parting of the red sea.

After Mark and I parted ways, I did what I do best...got lost. And in a place where I have yet to find an English map, I was off on an adventure. Along the streets you will find shrines like this one - no apparent reason for it...its just there.

and in the middle of residential areas, you find temples like this.

My morning escapade ended with lunch and a jaunt to the bike shop (I needed a light for some night riding). the bike shop is called Joker Maniac - kinda think that's funny and suits a Jester like me well.

Finally a walk around another park...At first, I thought i was at Pride in Piedmont Park, but no, its the cherry blossom festival.

so why are you here?

2006-03-30T17:57:00.000-08:00

Ya know...I have no idea really why I would think anyone would want to read about what goes on in my little world...but at the same time, this is OH so much easier than trying to remember everyone's email all the time! Anyway -

what is this? well, as I sit on the 14th floor of my corporate office in Tokyo, it occurs to me that I have been around the world -and back. This time I was lucky enough to bring my bike and have been pedaling through Tokyo during the cherry blossom season. I can't really complain, even though two months from home at this time of year is not ideal...oh wait...its the rainy season in northen california -nevermind. But regardless of work, or play, I seem to always end up on some adventure. and this seems the easiest way to share it with you all.

Just some things to keep in mind if you should travel to Tokyo -
-cycling in rush hour is not the best place to start, unless you really have NO fear.
-cycling in rush hour does immediately build your crit skills
-even for someone who starts the day with a quad shot latte - there is enough serenity here to make me stop and enjoy.

And since photos take forever and a day to download, I thought I would just leave them here.

This is the entrance to the temple in Shinjuku park. the temple is up top - Shinjuku park is in the heart of Shinjuku and is across the street from my office.... Shinjuku is an area of Tokyo - much like Manhattan of NYC. Or for those of you used to Atlanta - Buckhead, but with more lights.

Now mind you..this is what it looks like around the temple right now.

And since my office is right across the street from all this, and my hotel is within walking distance, this is one of the best commutes ever (well, next to commuting from my bedroom to my office in the living room).

OK...its my first weekend here. I gotta go get on my bike.
Ciao!