That sounds like a workout video? Well, today seemed like one....
Yesterday, Frederick and I made plans to ride today. He did not want to tell me exactly where we would ride though; I just had to meet him at his place on the West side. One thing I must add, is that he figured out something that can help me become a "better cyclist." I thought that simply practicing on the bike, would make me a better cyclist. I was wrong... there is more to just practicing riding.
Today, started off a little slow. I was supposed to meet him at 11am, but I had a long night the night before. I just wanted to cancel and stay home, but I figured we can meet up a little later. We decided that 1pm would be a good time; he told me I did not have to go in biking gear. He said to just go in sweats, but I will need my bike, helmet and shoes.
Anyhow, being that I didn't have to go in the biking shorts, I decided to just went go in jeans. I get to his house, and he noticed I was in no mood to cycle. I rolled up my jeans and started to ride out (I looked funny with my jeans rolled up). I still had no clue as to where we would be going.
We started to ride out into his neighborhood and went into a vacant parking lot. That was our area to ride in. I was happy that we didn't have to ride out on the streets but still had no idea as to what he was doing....... until he tells me, this is where I would learn how to practice my right turns.
We put our bikes down, and he starts to show me some "body movements" that cyclists do on the ride. " they were funny to look at, move your hips to the right and your upper body to your left, then do the opposite. This is what I need to learn so that i can make my left and right turns more easily- it is the movement of leaning your body towards that turn.
After a few "workout sessions", we started to ride in the lot. He wanted to me swerve in and out, so i would be making right and left turns as i rode. Imagine the movements like a race car drivers as they drive throw the red cones, in and out. That is what I was doing.
We did that for a while, then i started to do bigger turns. Once again, I just could not get the right turns. I am just having a difficult time leaning in towards the Right. It's okay, i have a few months to master it.. and i will!
Anyhow, after a while, we just called it a day- my energy was too low. I told him that next time, i would be more prepared, with more energy.
It's amazing how one gets taken care of in the group. The word is out that i have problems clipping in and out of my pedals, and JR helps me with it. The word is out that i have problems with my right turns and Frederick helps me out on it. This type of fellowship makes it worth doing the ride.
Until next time...
A Fall Uphill....
That was the title that Frederick recommended for me to use for today........
Today I met up with my good buddy, Scott. He is the one of the reasons why I am doing this ride. Scott and I go back, and he has been doing the ride for sometime. He was persistent with, Come on Jose, Do the ride...! And I signed up...
He invited me to ride with him today... It's only right, that I do some rides with him, since he was the one that got me into doing the ride.
It was great seeing him--- we talked about the bikes, got our gear ready and talked about what route we would do. We were at Griffith Park and I told him what I have been doing, but just like it's been suggested to push myself, I told him he can decide on the ride (the only thing i requested is for us to do a lap in the parking lot, so I can feel my bike).
We started to ride, and it was great- a lil bit chilly though (and it was pass noon). We did that one lap, and of courese, my right turn sucks! In time, I will master it...
We went out onto the road and made a left towards the golf course. He told me, we would try to go up hill.. I was dreading it inside-- I KNOW that hill.. we used to hate running over it, when we trained for the Marathon... Oh well, I just need to do it. During the week, I did go running to help build my endurance. I knew that would come in handy.
We started to go up the hill.. WHOA it was a killer workout on my legs. Scott was talking gears to be, right one, left ones (one to use for climbing). I was just moving things around, so I can figure out what works for me.
I started to make some stops up the hill. It's a challenge, so I needed the quick break to catch my breathe. BIG MISTAKE- you never stop going up hill. WHY? Because it's so hard to get back going-- I guess the way to do it, is to pedal downhill and then turn back up to get some momentum. As I started to pedal up hill, I started to have a problems to start the movement.... so what happens? A FALL! I got a bruise and a little cut. Scott came up to me and asked how I was doing. You know, the falls are part of the game. No pain.. no gain! I just got back on, and kept going..
The hill was tough, I ended up walking for a bit, but hey, that was my first time doing A HILL...
Now, the adrenaline rush came as we went DOWN THE HILL! Whoa, the wind just hitting you as you are racing down.. It was scary though; I woud say like I'm coming down a ride at Magic Mountain. When we got to the bottom, we stopped and chatted. I told him that was a fucken great feeling! I could just imagine coming down that hill the first day on the ride.
We went back to where we started. He calculated 8.4 miles today-- but with a hill. I couldn't do more, since I have a family committment to head out to..
It was great riding with my buddy Scott. We decided that Saturdays will be our day- and we then join the groups.
Until then,
xoxo
Jose
Today I met up with my good buddy, Scott. He is the one of the reasons why I am doing this ride. Scott and I go back, and he has been doing the ride for sometime. He was persistent with, Come on Jose, Do the ride...! And I signed up...
He invited me to ride with him today... It's only right, that I do some rides with him, since he was the one that got me into doing the ride.
It was great seeing him--- we talked about the bikes, got our gear ready and talked about what route we would do. We were at Griffith Park and I told him what I have been doing, but just like it's been suggested to push myself, I told him he can decide on the ride (the only thing i requested is for us to do a lap in the parking lot, so I can feel my bike).
We started to ride, and it was great- a lil bit chilly though (and it was pass noon). We did that one lap, and of courese, my right turn sucks! In time, I will master it...
We went out onto the road and made a left towards the golf course. He told me, we would try to go up hill.. I was dreading it inside-- I KNOW that hill.. we used to hate running over it, when we trained for the Marathon... Oh well, I just need to do it. During the week, I did go running to help build my endurance. I knew that would come in handy.
We started to go up the hill.. WHOA it was a killer workout on my legs. Scott was talking gears to be, right one, left ones (one to use for climbing). I was just moving things around, so I can figure out what works for me.
I started to make some stops up the hill. It's a challenge, so I needed the quick break to catch my breathe. BIG MISTAKE- you never stop going up hill. WHY? Because it's so hard to get back going-- I guess the way to do it, is to pedal downhill and then turn back up to get some momentum. As I started to pedal up hill, I started to have a problems to start the movement.... so what happens? A FALL! I got a bruise and a little cut. Scott came up to me and asked how I was doing. You know, the falls are part of the game. No pain.. no gain! I just got back on, and kept going..
The hill was tough, I ended up walking for a bit, but hey, that was my first time doing A HILL...
Now, the adrenaline rush came as we went DOWN THE HILL! Whoa, the wind just hitting you as you are racing down.. It was scary though; I woud say like I'm coming down a ride at Magic Mountain. When we got to the bottom, we stopped and chatted. I told him that was a fucken great feeling! I could just imagine coming down that hill the first day on the ride.
We went back to where we started. He calculated 8.4 miles today-- but with a hill. I couldn't do more, since I have a family committment to head out to..
It was great riding with my buddy Scott. We decided that Saturdays will be our day- and we then join the groups.
Until then,
xoxo
Jose
ALC Holiday party
Last night I went to ALC’s Annual Holiday Party! I finally get to be around a huge crowd of fellow riders, all riding for the same cause. I actually was kind of shy going, because I was going alone. I know I’ve made some friends on the training rides (even just through emails) but what can I say, I am shy sometimes.
So, I was about to register and I saw Sarah S., there. It is always very welcoming to see her. I love her dedication to the program itself. As I was in line, Frederick came behind me. He also came alone, so I told him I would take him hostage. He said he didn’t know many people, but the purpose of such events, are to get to know people.
We walked around and met up with Brendan- such a character… lol. I saw my friend Chris there- gurl!!! LOL. Soon after I met some of the other riders from my group; it’s amazing how everyone in that group knows who I am. Well, I guess my shyness does not come when I write on my blgo. Its great to know, that they have kept up with my blog. It’s funny when they ask, “Are you Jose, the newbie?” YES I AM! The hugs from them were great. I have found a new family. Paul, Jr., Eric, Brian H all were there. I guess I do know people… =)
As I was speaking with Eric and Frederick, I was introduced to Lori, the Director of the Gay and Lesbian center. I shared my stories of riding. It was great to see her face, how delighted she looked. One comment she said, that I will not forget, “Every rider has fallen down, or about to fall down.” I guess that is true; I just have to accept I can go on the ride without falling, but at the same time, know that there is a possibility.
We met up in the auditorium to see who has a chance to win some prizes in the raffles. Before we got to the prizes, the staff of ALC shared how grateful they are of ALL OF US. I got a warm feeling inside- I am grateful to be part of the ALC family and grateful that I am overcoming fears and at the same time- helping those living with HIV/AIDS and preventing it.
The event itself was great. It’s great to have met fellow ALC riders, and put faces with email names. It’s great when I am called a hero- I am amongst the MANY heroes fighting for this cause.
I look forward to the months ahead of trainings and building new relationships with my new family.
Keeping Pedaling!
Today was a GREAT DAY! I can't believe how much I am enjoying cycling....
My day started off-- COLD. It's funny though, how I get butterflies in my stomach before I ride-- I get nervous; I ask myself, "Will I fall? Can I hang and ride more? Can I go into the road, and not be fearful?" Anyhow, just starting my day is a mission- from eating some food, putting on my clothes (I know we all do that every day, but we don't wear biking shorts every day.. lol), then getting my gear together, putting the bike rack on my car, then my bike... Anyhow, I took off to pick up JR, figured it's not much for me to pick him up, since he has been there for me during the trainings.
So, we can to the park and right away get on them and start riding. The fear that i had went away. I was having fun. Who knows how many laps we did, before i actually said, can we break (to stretch and drink water). Remember, the first time i road, i was taking sooo many breaks.... Also, I WAS CLIPPED IN for most of the time (only after JR asked if i was clipped in).
Anyhow, he realized that my seat was too low and fixed it. I actually got fearful, because that means my feet are not as close to the floor when I stand up. We were supposed to go out on the road, but I asked if we can do a few laps, so I can get used to the new height.
The rest of the ride-- Whoa, it gave me a clue of what to sorta expect-- cars, people stop signs. It's weird how I m in fear, but it goes away soon after. I have been starting to trust my bike, and JR has been there to support me and give me that motivation. We rode in Griffith Park, then thru the bike road by the river. It felt so good to just ride and the wind hitting you. Going back into the park, there was an "uphill"-- whoa did it work out my legs, but i started to understand the shifting gears up or down, so it can be easier for the ride.
The one thing I will remember from this ride, is JR saying, KEEP PEDALING! Lol- i sometimes just want to ride and let the bike do the work- but I am understanding why he says to keep pedaling..
I hope to use all of his advice to make my rides more smooth. Obviously, they have helped me...
So for the record, we rode 2 hours- with very minimal breaks. I'm not sure how many miles.. BUT- I DID NOT FALL! Oh yea, at the end, i had a hard time, making a right turn-- i ended up making a left.. or going back.. lol-- that is something that i need to work on...
until next week..
jose
My day started off-- COLD. It's funny though, how I get butterflies in my stomach before I ride-- I get nervous; I ask myself, "Will I fall? Can I hang and ride more? Can I go into the road, and not be fearful?" Anyhow, just starting my day is a mission- from eating some food, putting on my clothes (I know we all do that every day, but we don't wear biking shorts every day.. lol), then getting my gear together, putting the bike rack on my car, then my bike... Anyhow, I took off to pick up JR, figured it's not much for me to pick him up, since he has been there for me during the trainings.
So, we can to the park and right away get on them and start riding. The fear that i had went away. I was having fun. Who knows how many laps we did, before i actually said, can we break (to stretch and drink water). Remember, the first time i road, i was taking sooo many breaks.... Also, I WAS CLIPPED IN for most of the time (only after JR asked if i was clipped in).
Anyhow, he realized that my seat was too low and fixed it. I actually got fearful, because that means my feet are not as close to the floor when I stand up. We were supposed to go out on the road, but I asked if we can do a few laps, so I can get used to the new height.
The rest of the ride-- Whoa, it gave me a clue of what to sorta expect-- cars, people stop signs. It's weird how I m in fear, but it goes away soon after. I have been starting to trust my bike, and JR has been there to support me and give me that motivation. We rode in Griffith Park, then thru the bike road by the river. It felt so good to just ride and the wind hitting you. Going back into the park, there was an "uphill"-- whoa did it work out my legs, but i started to understand the shifting gears up or down, so it can be easier for the ride.
The one thing I will remember from this ride, is JR saying, KEEP PEDALING! Lol- i sometimes just want to ride and let the bike do the work- but I am understanding why he says to keep pedaling..
I hope to use all of his advice to make my rides more smooth. Obviously, they have helped me...
So for the record, we rode 2 hours- with very minimal breaks. I'm not sure how many miles.. BUT- I DID NOT FALL! Oh yea, at the end, i had a hard time, making a right turn-- i ended up making a left.. or going back.. lol-- that is something that i need to work on...
until next week..
jose
Lean to the right
It's been like a month or so that i rode my bike, but today i finally got back to it. During the week, I had gone to J.R's house so he can show me how to use the bike trainer. I did practice at his house, but I lied to him on Saturday when he asked if i had been practicing.. hehehe Well, i did that afternoon. See, one of my problems is that i am afraid of clipping in and out and also, falling too much. In the last ride, i took many breaks so i can avoid being on the bike.
Well today was much different. I was excited to meet JR, but at the same time very nervous. The one thing that has been on my mind, was the many times that i fell while riding the bike. There was no group today, so I could not just "fall behind". Anyhow, I got there before JR; i tried to practice getting on and off the bike, what the fear hit me. I figured, I would just wait for him to get there, in case I fall.. hehehe
When JR, finally got there, I did mention to him, it took a lot of me, to finally get into the biking gear- tight shorts, shirts, etc. I figured, if i am going to become a true cyclists, the least i can do is start dressing the part.
We chatted for a bit, an soon after, off we were, riding on our bikes. We had met at the parking site where we had the AIDS Lifecycle first ride. the lot was big and very little traffic, so the fear of falling onto traffic was gone.
I was becoming comfortable with my riding. I didn't clip into both shoes right away though. i needed to trust my bike some more.
Finally, i met a problem: i had a difficult time making a right turn. for some reason, going left was okay, but not the right. I had not mentioned it to JR; but he soon found out.
As i was going into a right turn, i lost control of my bike. I was able to clip out of my left foot, but not my right. I lost my thoughts and wasn't sure how to stop my bike. Do i just brake? How do i stop? Well, my thoughts did not help. I came to the conclusion, I WILL FALL! I hit a sidewalk, but I realized there was dirt to fall on. As i was going towards the "fall" i brought my arms out, like a gymnast would do, when they are mounting off a platform, like a VICTORY sign... and i fell into the dirt. i could not stop laughing. I had been on the bike for a bit, and i finally fell, but i fell into something "soft" compared to the concrete. JR came over and looked at my bike; he was laughing too-- too bad there was not a camera for that.
He basically started to show me, how to make right turn. You just have to "lean to the right". It sounded easy, but of course for me, it wasn't. I mentioned to him, that i was only have a hard time doing the right turns but not the left. BIG MISTAKE for telling him; he quickly mentioned that we would turn around and go the opposite way so i can hit more right turns instead of left. As always, i feared so i told him to continue 2 more laps before we go opposite way.
We did turn around, soon after, and the rest of the ride was great. I started to get the handle of how to LEAN TO THE RIGHT or the LEFT; how to make a stop, without tipping over, how to go faster and slow down, but also how to be clipped in both pedals. I felt great about this ride.
So, at the end of all this, he said we did 10-15 miles- with less breaks as compared to my first ride. I only fell ONCE; i trusted my bike into making my turns and i was clipped in.
Today was a great day! We ended the day by meeting Vince for lunch. Pancakes are the best meals around! I am sure the guys enjoyed the Cheesecake pancakes. LOL.
Anyhow, here is just a glimpse of my day today. Thanks to JR for pushing me again. As for the rest of the group- i shall be with you all soon! Until next week!
xoxo
Jose
Here is a picture that JR took of me- "riding and clipped in".
Well today was much different. I was excited to meet JR, but at the same time very nervous. The one thing that has been on my mind, was the many times that i fell while riding the bike. There was no group today, so I could not just "fall behind". Anyhow, I got there before JR; i tried to practice getting on and off the bike, what the fear hit me. I figured, I would just wait for him to get there, in case I fall.. hehehe
When JR, finally got there, I did mention to him, it took a lot of me, to finally get into the biking gear- tight shorts, shirts, etc. I figured, if i am going to become a true cyclists, the least i can do is start dressing the part.
We chatted for a bit, an soon after, off we were, riding on our bikes. We had met at the parking site where we had the AIDS Lifecycle first ride. the lot was big and very little traffic, so the fear of falling onto traffic was gone.
I was becoming comfortable with my riding. I didn't clip into both shoes right away though. i needed to trust my bike some more.
Finally, i met a problem: i had a difficult time making a right turn. for some reason, going left was okay, but not the right. I had not mentioned it to JR; but he soon found out.
As i was going into a right turn, i lost control of my bike. I was able to clip out of my left foot, but not my right. I lost my thoughts and wasn't sure how to stop my bike. Do i just brake? How do i stop? Well, my thoughts did not help. I came to the conclusion, I WILL FALL! I hit a sidewalk, but I realized there was dirt to fall on. As i was going towards the "fall" i brought my arms out, like a gymnast would do, when they are mounting off a platform, like a VICTORY sign... and i fell into the dirt. i could not stop laughing. I had been on the bike for a bit, and i finally fell, but i fell into something "soft" compared to the concrete. JR came over and looked at my bike; he was laughing too-- too bad there was not a camera for that.
He basically started to show me, how to make right turn. You just have to "lean to the right". It sounded easy, but of course for me, it wasn't. I mentioned to him, that i was only have a hard time doing the right turns but not the left. BIG MISTAKE for telling him; he quickly mentioned that we would turn around and go the opposite way so i can hit more right turns instead of left. As always, i feared so i told him to continue 2 more laps before we go opposite way.
We did turn around, soon after, and the rest of the ride was great. I started to get the handle of how to LEAN TO THE RIGHT or the LEFT; how to make a stop, without tipping over, how to go faster and slow down, but also how to be clipped in both pedals. I felt great about this ride.
So, at the end of all this, he said we did 10-15 miles- with less breaks as compared to my first ride. I only fell ONCE; i trusted my bike into making my turns and i was clipped in.
Today was a great day! We ended the day by meeting Vince for lunch. Pancakes are the best meals around! I am sure the guys enjoyed the Cheesecake pancakes. LOL.
Anyhow, here is just a glimpse of my day today. Thanks to JR for pushing me again. As for the rest of the group- i shall be with you all soon! Until next week!
xoxo
Jose
Here is a picture that JR took of me- "riding and clipped in".
Peddling vs. Pedaling
Wow.. 3 posts in one day.. I am becoming Perezhilton.. LOL>. wait, I don't think i would want to be him....
Anyhow, so I have been wanting to blog about this and i do believe it is time to blog about it.. I am so embarrassed about it...
When i was setting up my blog account, I wanted to have something to do with my ride for the AIDS Life cycle.. I went through so many names, and i thought the "action" of what I am doing would be the best.. So i thought "peddling" was the right one! I went ahead and saved it and even made some cards with my email and blog address on it. It wasn't until i went out for my first ride, i realized-- I FUCKED UP! It was supposed to be "pedaling".
Wow, if i would be on the game show, "are you smarter than a 5th grader?" I would loose. How stupid could i be? It was too late to make the changes. I already had made my business cards and sent out the emails with it. Oh well, so how can i fix it?
Well, here are some definitions:
peddling : the act of selling goods for a living; To travel about selling (wares): peddling goods from door to door.
of course, the correct one would be pedaling:
pedaling: of or pertaining to a foot or the feet; of or pertaining to a pedal or pedals; using pedals: a pedal mechanism.
So, to rationalize my error, I am going to people (door to door) "selling" or asking for money, for the support of bring awareness of HIV/AIDS and helping find a cure... =) LOL.. i hope that settles any curiosity of , why did Jose choose peddling for a cure?
Anyhow, so I have been wanting to blog about this and i do believe it is time to blog about it.. I am so embarrassed about it...
When i was setting up my blog account, I wanted to have something to do with my ride for the AIDS Life cycle.. I went through so many names, and i thought the "action" of what I am doing would be the best.. So i thought "peddling" was the right one! I went ahead and saved it and even made some cards with my email and blog address on it. It wasn't until i went out for my first ride, i realized-- I FUCKED UP! It was supposed to be "pedaling".
Wow, if i would be on the game show, "are you smarter than a 5th grader?" I would loose. How stupid could i be? It was too late to make the changes. I already had made my business cards and sent out the emails with it. Oh well, so how can i fix it?
Well, here are some definitions:
peddling : the act of selling goods for a living; To travel about selling (wares): peddling goods from door to door.
of course, the correct one would be pedaling:
pedaling: of or pertaining to a foot or the feet; of or pertaining to a pedal or pedals; using pedals: a pedal mechanism.
So, to rationalize my error, I am going to people (door to door) "selling" or asking for money, for the support of bring awareness of HIV/AIDS and helping find a cure... =) LOL.. i hope that settles any curiosity of , why did Jose choose peddling for a cure?
WORLD AIDS DAY
World AIDS DAY.. Today, cyclists all over the world, commemorated the 27 years of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. This years’ ride will honor 2 year old Caleb Glover. While on vacation with his foster parents, this innocent little boy was not allowed to swim or use the shower at the park where they were to enjoy a vacation. Caleb is HIV PositiveUntil There’s A Cure is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to eradicating HIV/AIDS by raising awareness and funds for vaccine development, care services, and youth education through the sale of The Bracelet. For additional information about Until There’s A Cure please call 1-800-88-until or visit www.until.org. is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to eradicating HIV/AIDS by raising awareness and funds for vaccine development, care services, and youth education through the sale of The Bracelet. For additional information about Until There’s A Cure please call 1-800-88-until or visit www.until.org
Brian Hodes did a GREAT job in putting this event together. It’s amazing how many cyclists came out; of course this gets me anxious- I can not imagine the support of cyclists that will ride the 545 miles for AIDS LIFECYCLE.
I did not ride today (I needed to pick up my bike from the shop), but I went to support the event. Once again, these rides just get me going. I was able to talk to Sarah, JR, Brendan, Fred and other rides. Sharing stories with others, as to why we are doing the ride, or why we did the ride gets me more excited to be out there. I had a great conversation with Dorien. Russ, from the Discussion Forum had mentioned her to me. I was amazed that she has done this ride for 14 years. I believe that after my first ride, I will truly continue riding, until there is a cure! I am grateful to be part of this community. I will share some of the pictures I took of the event.
After the event, Brian was kind to let me borrow his bike trainer. That means, I need to get off my ass right now, and start training. I HAVE to go out on a ride next week (without any falls, okay maybe ONE!) I did pick up Ms. Jackson from the shop…. So it’s time to practice..
Brian Hodes did a GREAT job in putting this event together. It’s amazing how many cyclists came out; of course this gets me anxious- I can not imagine the support of cyclists that will ride the 545 miles for AIDS LIFECYCLE.
I did not ride today (I needed to pick up my bike from the shop), but I went to support the event. Once again, these rides just get me going. I was able to talk to Sarah, JR, Brendan, Fred and other rides. Sharing stories with others, as to why we are doing the ride, or why we did the ride gets me more excited to be out there. I had a great conversation with Dorien. Russ, from the Discussion Forum had mentioned her to me. I was amazed that she has done this ride for 14 years. I believe that after my first ride, I will truly continue riding, until there is a cure! I am grateful to be part of this community. I will share some of the pictures I took of the event.
After the event, Brian was kind to let me borrow his bike trainer. That means, I need to get off my ass right now, and start training. I HAVE to go out on a ride next week (without any falls, okay maybe ONE!) I did pick up Ms. Jackson from the shop…. So it’s time to practice..
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