I just completed the metric century at the PPTC Historic Backroads century sponsored by the FDA. I really had a great time, it was a perfect day with great roads and lots of other cyclists to share it with. Overall I felt pretty good although my back was a bit sore from my crash a couple of weeks ago. I met another rider (Susanne) that was relatively new to the sport, but very enthusiastic. We finished the ride together and had to drag my husband along for the last 10 miles due to cramps. It was great to see so many other riders out on the roads--it is always fun to outnumber the cars! I am sure I gained some form from all the hills on the course. The trick will be to keep some fitness as we head into the winter months - you know how I already feel about the trainer! I hope that eveyone else out there had a great time and I look forward to seeing everyone out there next year!

I have had a great time for the last two weekends getting to know some of the local rides. Labor day weekend I was able to explore Loudoun County and a little bit of Damascus. Loudon was a bit more hilly than I was expecting, but the pace was reasonable so I could enjoy the 50 miles of scenery. I did not get to see as much of Damascus as I would have liked due to some poorly placed wet leaves about 10 miles into the ride. Unfortunately I crashed on a descent and destroyed my best pair of wheels. Luckily I and another unfortunate rider weren't hurt too badly, just a very sore back and a little road rash, but I am quite upset about the wheels.
My backup training wheels which are purposefully heavy, are great for training but not so great for riding a century when you are not in great shape. After a few days of rest I got on the trainer to loosen up a little. Riding a stationary trainer will really make you appreciate the outdoor rides even more. I can really only take an hour or so of sitting inside on the bike before boredom, or the end of a T.V. show forces me off. But it can be a good workout, so I guess it is worth the effort. This weekend was a little more low-key with a 30 mile jaunt on the W&OD trail and a 40 mile ride around Dulles Airport and all of the new development there. I have been surprised to see all of the new neighborhoods and shopping centers that have popped up since I last spent time here in the late 1990's. Given the short amount of time I have to prepare and the setbacks from the crash I am probably aiming for the metric century next weekend but I haven't ruled anything out yet. We will just have to see how the week goes!Dreaming of California sun!

Welcome to my blog! I just started here at the Center for Veterinary Medicine and was glad to find out that the FDA was sponsoring a cycling event. Cycling is one of my passions, I really enjoy all aspects from riding to watching. I guess you could say I am both a participant and a fan. While my husband and I have raced bikes in the past we now enjoy riding at a good competitive pace, without the hardcore competition. As far as my experiences as a cyclist I began riding eight years ago. I hadn't ridden at all since I was a kid when I met my bike racing husband. I decided to give the sport a try while he was away in Costa-Rica for two months. I bought a mountain bike with clipless spedals and headed for the trails. Without any real guidance I jumped right in over my head and ended up very black and blue. Despite those early bumps and bruises, I picked up riding much more quickly than I thought. After six months on the mountain bike I was introduced to road biking, which is much easier on the body! Now I enjoy both mountain and road biking, but spend most of my time on the road. One of the great things about cycling is that anyone of any age and athletic ability can enjoy it. In the beginning I was much slower than my husband but after learning a few simple techniques I was able to draft (save energy by riding behind him) and keep up on his rides. Over the years I became able to keep pace with just about anyone. Back in sunny California I was riding almost daily. I commuted to work on my bike several times a week and rode 40 -80 miles each weekend. Unfortunately with our recent move I have fallen out of shape, but I am excited to have an incentive to get back on the bike and explore our new home. It doesn't hurt that I feel very guilty for letting such a nice bike sit idle for too long! I look forward to meeting some new people and encourage everyone to get out there and ride - there is a spot for all levels and experience out on the bike!