Hi-

I looks like there will be a good group of riders for Sunday's
beautiful Indian Valley Fall Colors Ride.

The NOAA Weather Forecast for the Weekend:

Greenville; 70% rain Fri; 30% for Sat; clear Sat night; a sunny 59 on Sun.
Antelope Lake; Fri rain; 30% snow on Sat; Clear Sat night; a sunny 53
on Sun.

The carpool will leave from One Mile at 7:00am. Need a ride - can give
a ride?

Take Hwy 99 south, take the Butte College exit and head over to Pentz
Rd. and up on Hwy 70 east. Stay on Hwy 70 for 55 miles until it
intersects with Hwy 89. Hang "left" onto Hwy 89 and Greenville will
come up in 11 miles -- a total of about 86 miles.

Park at the High School (right-hand side at Hwy 89/Grand St.) just
after the bridge over the RRTracks.

The ride leaves from Greenville (3,500') at 9:00am.

All rides leave and come back the same way -- except from the optional
"north loop' all options are out-and-back. Take HWY 89 west and turn
right onto Main St. Follow Main St. out of town; it becomes N. Valley
Rd. which we stay on all the way to/past Taylorsville (12 miles out).

Let me know if you want a map -- or, you can print out your own from
the web.

After the ride, a lunch option is the Sierra Sunrise Coffee House and
Deli, 202 Highway 89, Greenville. Gourmet coffee, espresso drinks,
Belgian waffles, egg entrées, soups, sandwiches, salads, and
fresh-baked goods, plus daily specials. Open 7 days a week, 6:30am to
2:00pm.

There are several distance options and there are going to be groups of
varying speeds. It is off-season so we will enjoy the fall colors and
the clean fresh air.

The Flat Routes are between 3,500' and 3,700' in elevation:

24 miles - to Taylorsville (3,600') and back.
35 miles - Incl. the 12-mile "north loop" on the way out (or back.)
46 miles - Incl. the 12-mile "north loop" both out and back.

9.7 miles out from Greenville, the 12-mile "north loop" is off to the
right. Take Diamond Mt. Rd. the 5.3 miles until it "T's" into North
Arm Rd. Hang a right south onto N Arm Rd. and follow it the 6.3 miles
back to N Valley Rd. (This spot is just 0.7 miles from where you
exited N Valley Rd. to start the loop). Turn left south onto N Valley
Rd. and you are now 7.3 miles from the Genesee Store.

There also is a store in Taylorsville. 11 miles out, just past the N.
Arm Rd. where the "north loop" comes out you hang a right onto Nelson
St. Taylorsville is 1.1 mile down at the intersection with Arlington
Rd. (A22). Leaving town, take Arlington Rd. east for 1/2 mile across
Indian Creek and hang right onto Genesee Rd. (where N. Vally Rd.
(bypassing Taylorsville) butts into Arlington Rd./Genesee Rd. (at the
Rodeo Grounds) and head for Genesee.

36 miles - ride past Taylorsville out to Genesee Store (3,700').
48 miles - Incl. the 12-mile "north loop" on the way out or back.
60 miles - Incl. the 12-mile "north loop" on the way out and back.

Genesee is 6 mile down the road (Genesee Rd.). We stop at the the
Genesee Store (18 miles or more into the ride depending on your
route). They make great sandwiches, but, it is a small store, so if
you are interested in having them make sandwiches for your "lunch"
stop we could be nice and give them a heads up.

Let me know.

The Flat Ride plus Gently Climbing Option:

In Genesee, you can continue and head the 16 gently rolling miles and
1,300' up to the beautiful Antelope Lake (5,000'). That will add 32
miles round-trip to your ride. The 1.3 mile stretch 4 miles past
Genesee climbs up about 300'.

The road rolls very gently the 11 miles around Antelope Lake for those
interested in adding even more mileage to their ride.

-/ Some awesome pictures of the valley and what to expect can be found at:

http://www.indianvalley.net/ivalley.html


-/ For those really interested in the fall colors there is are "leaf
peeper" Reports at:

http://www.plumascounty.org/Awesome_Autumn/Leaf%20Peeper%20Reports.htm

http://flickr.com/photos/aerocha/sets/72157602310407609/

Hi-

In addition to the new store just a block west, the new park is now open.

You might have noticed that the town of Paradise has been working to
finish up the bike path and the new park at the intersection of
Pearson Rd. and Black Olive Drive.

The bike path now goes the short 5 miles from Neal Rd. and all the way
up to where Skyway and Pentz Rd. intersects.

The new park, Town Park, is open 6:00 AM till 10:00 PM, has several
water fountains to fill your bottles, picnic tables, two bike racks,
and guaranteed clean bathrooms (they are cleaned EVERY morning at 6:00
AM).


Below is a cut of a local new article about the park.

Paradise Park unveiling Saturday
By RYAN OLSON - Staff Writer

PARADISE -- For more than a few years, the area across from the
Paradise Police Department on Black Olive Drive was dilapidated -- a
worn-down graveyard of old buildings, weeds and trees.
On Saturday, town leaders and residents will celebrate the 4.5-acre
parcel's metamorphosis into the new Paradise Community Park, a lush
green keystone in efforts to revitalize downtown.
"It's been a complete transformation," said Dennis Schmidt, the town's
public works director.

     * VIDEO: Watch a tour of the park
     * VIRTUAL REALITY: View the park from the trail and at the tot
lot. (Requires QuickTime)

The completed park has a wide set of features for visitors, including
a restored, century-old railroad depot and a caboose donated by the
late David Lafabregue. A "tot lot" features a playground, swing set
and a climbing boulder. A large gazebo can accommodate live bands or
large parties while a nearby building offers concessions and restrooms.

Schmidt said many groups have expressed an interest in hosting their
events at the new park, such as a Fourth of July celebration.

Saturday's grand opening comes just under 11 months after the town and
contractors broke ground on the $2.2 million facility.

The park slopes downhill from Black Olive Drive to the trailway. It
also follows the elevation of the ridge, rising upward to the north.

The Gold Nugget Museum is transforming the depot into the Paradise
Depot Museum. Inside the building Tuesday, volunteers worked on
creating a miniature replica of the old Butte County Railroad line as
it stretched from Chico up to Stirling City. Along the pint-sized
tracks, intricate models re-create the Diamond Match factory in Chico
and the factory in Stirling City. When completed, the model railroad
will stretch along the building's western wall.

On the Internet:
For a video tour and 3-D panoramas of the Paradise Community Park,
visit this story on ChicoER.com.

VIDEO: A glimpse of Paradise Community Park

Hi-

A thanks from Lori Beth to those who donated and helped sponsor on of
a dozen tables at the recent Catalyst Gala.

They raised a good deal of money that will go directly to building
their new shelter. Thanks again!

This is my story and I'm sticking to it......

30 mile bike
4.5 mile run
1.1 mile swim
5.5 mile run
.5 mile swim
8 mile run
.5 mile swim
.7 mile run
51 miles total

Women 45-49  3/5
Women 16/43
Overall time: 6:22:18

	 This is the story of my experience with the 22nd annual Survival of
the Shawangunks triathlon that takes place in the Shawangunk mountain
  range
in Ulster County, New York.  It is a mountain range that juts
  dramatically
up from the gentle rolling hills of New York State.  Composed of
  extremely
durable white conglomerate quartzose rock it is home to numerous
  cliffs,
waterfalls, crystal pools, streams, and five natural glacial lakes
  known as
"sky lakes".  These lakes owe their existence to ice age glaciers
  that moved
through the region 10,000 years ago.  It is a lush green landscape amid
  the
startling white cliffs and outcroppings.  The Shawangunks are a
  continuation
of Blue Mountain in Pennsylvania and Kittatinny in New Jersey.  This is
  the
breathtaking, unique setting for this one of a kind triathlon.
	 I was drawn to do this race not only because of the spectacular
natural beauty and extremely challenging course but also because of my
history and connection to this region.  I first came there at 18 years
  old
to attend the State University of New York at New Paltz.  This began my
  long
journey into adult hood and the adventures that would form my life.
   The
initial connection I made there was so strong that my roots are still
strongly imbedded in this place.  I eventually moved my mother there
  and
later was married and gave birth to both my daughters there.
	 It was 17 years ago that I permanently moved to Chico, California.
I did not go back and visit for the first 7 years but since then have
  been
back every year.  In that time I have resumed, along with my brother
  Gideon,
my love affair with the Shawangunks.  I have rediscovered old haunts
  and
discovered new ones in this 19,000 acre wonderland.  I only heard about
  this
race four years ago and the seed was planted in my mind that I must do
  this
at least once in my life.  This is my story…………………….
	 After a year of saving money and planning I took off on September
1st, 2007 to visit my family and participate in the race.  I finally
  arrived
in New York after a 15 hour delay and a harrowing experience on a plane
  with
mechanical errors.  Needless to say I arrived exhausted and dehydrated.
   My
brother was waiting for me at my mother and step father's house. Even
  though
I was in such a state I wanted to explore some of the race course with
  my
brother the next day.
Our tradition when I go out to visit is to get up at the crack of dawn,
drive to Stewarts (like a 711), get coffee and hard rolls with butter
  and
hit the trail, coffee in hand.  We will cover many miles before we even
realize we are awake.  The two of us have talked and traveled over the
Shawangunks together in this manner many times.  This time we had the
intention of covering parts of the route of the race and so we did.  We
hiked the first two run legs, viewing Lake Awosting (the first swim
  lake) on
the way and speculated where I might be getting in the water.  Then we
  were
on to the second lake (Minnewaska) which I wanted to try out that day
  with
my dry bag and shoes.  I decided I would actually swim the length, a
  mere .5
miles to the other side with my shoes strapped to my back in a dry bag
  while
my brother hiked to the other side to meet me.
I had known that they had rules about swimming in undesignated areas
  but I
usually swam at Lake Awosting which is less frequented and I usually
  swam
during non life guard hours.
Feeling good I hit the water and embarked on my swim.  It was
  beautiful,
cold, clear, and deep.  I was pleased that my dry bag was working.  As
  I
made my way across the lake I got the feeling I shouldn't be out
  there.  I
felt nervous but I kept going.  When I was nearing the opposite shore I
looked up to see a life guard paddling out to me on a board.  Then I
  saw how
angry he was.  He was yelling at me that I shouldn't be out there.  I
  told
him I realized that and was working on getting out.  This made him
  angrier.
I apologized telling him that I truly realized I shouldn't be doing
  it.  He
proceeded to grill me about how I got there and hadn't I seen the
  signs.  I
told him I'd hiked there from 10 miles away around the back of the
  lake and
that is why I hadn't seen the signs.  He got angrier and asked if I
  wasn't
from around there.  I told him I was there from California.  He finally
  gave
up and just let me get out.  I sheepishly got out of the water to a
  beach of
spectators to wait for my brother.  One nice woman told me I was a good
swimmer and that her daughter was learning.
OK…I had hiked two legs and swam one lake of the race. I felt more
  secure
about the race now 6 days away.  My brother went back to the city to
  work.
I knew I needed to lay low and rest and re-hydrate and that is what I
  did
having a nice relaxed visit with my mother, step dad and a close
  friend.  I
also needed to get my rental bike together.  I had brought my seat,
  aero
bars, pedals, and race wheels with me. I was able to rent a good road
  bike
from Billy Denter from Overlook Mountain bikes in Woodstock, New York.
   He
helped me with getting the bike together and breaking it down and
  repacking
my parts when I left.  Mike Trowbridge from North Rim helped me on
this end of things.  Now I just had to deal with the endless
butterflies in my stomach.
My brother arrived the night before the race to attend the mandatory
pre-race meeting with me.  I was starting to get excited now.  The
  meeting
was great.  They had photos from previous years, maps, profiles of
elevations, even underwater schematics of the lakes.  They had a great
  slide
show and a pasta feed to get us ready.  I got all my dangling questions
answered, for instance, I still wasn't sure how the bike to run
  transition
was supposed to happen.  As I discovered, your crew person (my brother)
meets you on the road where you hand off your bike to them.  They then
  lead
you to the spot where your swim and run gear would be.  They take care
  of
your bike and meet you at the end, choosing where they might want to
  see you
along the race route.
It was time to go home and make sure all my gear was together.  I
  needed to
show Gideon how to lay out my stuff and give him everything I needed.
   This
done, it was time for bed.  I went to sleep with the sound of heavy
  rain,
thunder, and lightning.  This had me worried as they can either call
  off the
race or eliminate the swim portion which would mean that all 18.7 miles
  of
the run would be strung together.  I had, however, mentally and
  physically
prepared myself for this possibility.  More than that though I wanted
  to do
the race as it was intended.
RACE MORNING: I woke before the alarm to fog and lightning.  I did all
  my
pre-race preparation and drove to the race start. Gideon would drive
  with my
swim/run gear to the transition area to Lake Awosting.  This is where I
would hand him the bike.   I was the first racer to arrive…a
  testament to my
jittery nerves!  I got numbered and prepared my gear as more and more
  racers
arrived.  It was no longer raining, the fog lifting but it was
  extremely
warm and humid.  I checked everything on my bike and took it for a warm
  up
ride.  Having a bike start is certainly different from the average
triathlon.
It was time to get in our wave groups…mine being the women 40plus.
   There
were about 12 of us the oldest being 59 (who kicked my ass by the
  way!).  As
we waited I got to know my competitors a bit…one of whom said
  "Let's show
them what menopause can do!"  We all laughed.
7:05 am:  We are off!  Out onto the wet roads, past sunflowers, and
  farms.
One thing I had not considered was how fogged up my glasses would get.
   I am
used to being blind so I pressed on.  The 40plus guys were behind us
  and
eventually a few overtook us in an unruly pack of drafters who crossed
  the
double yellow line and continued drafting.  I just shook my head as I
  was
determined to ride well and not break the rules. Bad news!  My bike bag
  was
falling off.  I stopped briefly pulled it off and stuck it in the back
  of my
shorts.  Bummer- oh well.  Glich #1.  I knew I was nearing a dangerous
stretch of the ride, a very steep downhill with sharp turns.  It
  actually
went right by the house my oldest daughter was born in 21 years ago!  I
  did
fine on the hill taking it slow but not too slow.  Relieved that this
stretch was over I powered into the next slightly rolling section.  I
  had
given my brother an approximate arrival time on the bike (8:35am).  I
figured about an hour and a half.  I was right on schedule.  However,
  the
humidity was already working on me.  I had trouble breathing and was
drenched with sweat.  I kept drinking.  Things were still going well
  though
and I was looking forward to the "climb".
  About three miles before I got there someone crashed as a car pulled
  out in
front of them.  I came by as the emergency vehicles were arriving.  I
  found
out later he was OK.  He suffered from a separated shoulder.  I get to
  the
hill portion.  In true form I am cruising past my competitors, leaving
others behind, I am feeling good.  A larger man with an Australian
  accent
passed me on a little flat section telling me he had to take advantage
  of
that before I passed him again and then psssssssst…air escaping from
  my rear
tire!!  The dreaded flat tire!  My achilles heel!  I saw again the
  error of
my lazy ways….me practice changing a tire quickly?  No, I am too busy
  for
that!  Glich #2.  Ok, I knew I only had two more miles to go.  I
  reached
into the archives in my brain of Preben training and the day he had me
  ride
up Neal road on a flat popped into my head.  I knew it would take me
  longer
to fix the flat than to keep going.  Now I am really sweating, I am
  really
slowing down, my legs and back are feeling the strain as I work to keep
  the
bike going as my rear wheel slips and slides along the wet road.  I am
thinking that this race hasn't even begun yet.  This is the easy
  part…how am
I going to make it?  People were cheering me on.  Needing to keep my
  pride
in tact I have to tell them I have a flat.  That evokes admiration.  Ok
  I
feel better now.  I know my brother is worrying now as the minutes tick
away.  Two miles can seem so long.  All right I make it!  I hand the
  bike
off to my brother and tell him my story.  I am feeling dehydrated
  already
but am relieved to be off the bike.  My legs are already tired and
  feeling
like they want to cramp.  I get my running shoes on, drink, take some e
caps, grab my swim gear and take off.  It feels strange because this
transition is so different than any others I have done.  I don't have
  any
glasses on and everything is really blurry.  Out on the course when I
  come
across a directional sign I have to go right up to it to read it!!  I
  shake
it all off and start running.  I smile. Ahhhh…I feel good, the sun is
  coming
out a bit.  I know now that we will be allowed to swim.  The Lake
  Awosting
carriageway that I am running on travels through lush mountain forest,
  by
flowers, and streams.  There is a hint of the blazing fall colors that
  will
soon cover the land in New York.
I am on to Glich #3…I should have eaten more or had a gu with me
  because I
am hungry and know I won't get anything until after the 1.1 mile
  swim.
Thoughts of how am I going to make it plague me again.  Three and a
  half
miles into the first run is Heart Attack Hill..a hill that makes ALL
  the
runners walk.  Then it is a mile and a half winding around Lake
  Awosting to
the first swim start.  There it is, a gorgeous long finger of a lake
  nestled
in the rocks and forest.  My low back is feeling like it wants to sieze
  up.
OK..I make it to the lake.  Now I will see if my plan will really work.
   I
pull my cap, goggles, and ear plugs out of my dry bag and put them on.
   I
take my shoes and socks off and put them in the bag securing it.  I
  stick
the bag into the back of my shorts and wrap my race belt around my
  waist,
holding it all in place.  I know my back and legs are not feeling so
  good so
I get in the water carefully.  The water is cold (72 degrees), but not
  bad
and I start to swim.  After so much sweating it feels good to be in the
water cooling off.  I am swimming well but as in every leg of this race
  I am
keeping a good pace with out over exerting myself.  About half way into
  the
swim my back starts to feel tight and I get that familiar curling in my
  toes
on my right foot.  I worry a bit, I don't feel good.  I let my legs
  drag
stretching out my heel on my cramping foot and leg and keep going.  I
  look
up occasionally to see how far I have to go.  The cramping moves up
  into my
quads, hamstrings, and hips.  My strokes are getting really sloppy as I
struggle to shore. I finally get there and drag myself out.  Now I have
  to
get my shoes back on.  I take my shoes and socks out of the bag…they
  are
dry!  I put my swim gear in the bag , roll it up and strap it on my
  waist.
Before I put my shoes on I drink and eat at the aid station.  I know it
  is
already too late to re-hydrate but I hope I can at least maintain.
   They
have e caps at the aid stations and I am grateful. I make the mistake
  of
sitting down to put my shoes on.  The cramping is so bad that it takes
  every
ounce of my strength and focus just to stand up again.  The
  photographer
keeps taking pictures of me.  I guess I did look pretty dramatic and
  people
were wondering if I'd make it.  After standing and getting pressure
  on my
feet I took off for my next run.
  This one would be 5.5 miles with elevation gain.  We ran up over
  Castle
Point which has spectacular views.  Surprisingly I feel great and have
  an
enjoyable run, cruising up the hills, passing people along the way.
   This is
the Gaby I know!  There is one aid station on this run and I take full
advantage of it.  I know I must keep fed and hydrated.  OK…down to
  the next
lake (Minnewaska).  I execute my transition and get in.  The same
  scenario
replays itself.  I have an even more traumatic exit on this one.  The
  calf
cramp I have is the kind that brings tears and cries for help.  A
  volunteer
comes over and massages my leg.
They bring me hot tea.  What great volunteers. My brother is at this
transition.  He is taking pictures and has a worried look on his face.
   I am
finally able to stand.  I know this is all taking a toll on me.  Again
  the
thoughts of failure are haunting me.  I have a long way to go and one
  more
lake to swim.  Me, the swimmer, afraid to get back in the water!
8 mile run now.  I am relieved to be back on my feet and as with the
  other
times, I am cruising.  First we have to run down this steep hill.  That
  was
hard but after that it flattened out.  We ran into a heavily wooded
  section
with the creek running along side and the sound of waterfalls.  It was
  very
hot by this point.  I have a watch on but refuse to look at it.  I
  don't
want anything else screwing with my already troubled mind.  We are on
  the
Trapp's trail which is home to world famous rock climbing cliffs.  As
  I run
by there are numerous rock climbers along the way.  I am beginning to
  think
I will make it but I am dreading that last swim.  I get to mile 7 of
  the run
and am greeted by an aid station and the words…"Welcome to
  Godzilla".  This
last mile to the lake is uphill.  I am able to keep running and have a
  nice
cruise to Lake Mohonk. This lake is a small jewell surrounded by the
towering Mohonk Hotel and even more towering sheer white cliffs.  It is
  very
impressive.
I am feeling good when I get into the lake.  I am feeling better this
  time.
No cramping so far, I am breathing deeply into my low back and legs,
  letting
my legs completely relax and dragging them behind me.  I am feeling
confident but a smooth exit from the lake is not to be.  In the last
  100
yards I cramp again.  You must climb out of this lake by grabbing onto
  rocks
and pulling yourself up.  I can't do it.  Every time I try to pull my
  leg up
it completely seizes up. I only have ¾ of a mile to go….all I need
  to do is
get out of the lake!   A few people are watching me wondering if I'll
  make
it. When I make it to the first ledge they cheer.  I still have more
climbing and I have to steady myself.  I grasp at plants and parts of
  the
rocks to try and pull myself up.  I am still in pain as every movement
starts more cramping.  After what seems like forever I finally make it.
   I
hear sighs of relief all around.  An EMT has been watching me.  I
  won't sit
down this time to put my shoes on.  I forgo the socks this time jamming
  my
feet into my shoes.  I don't care if they are all the way on.  As
  soon as I
start moving I feel fine.
I sprint up this ¾ mile steep winding hill walking once to get over
  some
rock steps (I am afraid of cramping again).  Only 100 yards to go to
  the
Survivor Line and I have a strong finish.  I finally look at my watch
  and am
glad to see I stayed in my target range of 6-7 hours.  My brother is
  there,
we hug.  He gets me to look out at the incredible views which on a
  clear day
we would be able to see 6 states!  I cry a bit at this point.  I did
  it!!
Volunteers come to me to get my timing chip off…I am probably the
  only
person there who duck taped it on!  They drape me in a big SOS towel.
   I am
so relieved and happy, feeling the emotion of having completed this
  race
which from the beginning had me questioning my ability to finish.  I
  truly
understand why they call it survival.
Meanwhile, my family and friends are gathering at the area by the
  Mohonk
Hotel that overlooks the lake.  I finally trek over there to meet them.
There we have a great feast waiting for us.  There are tables and
  tables of
food and drink.  We talk and share stories.  It is especially
  meaningful to
have my mom there as she had suffered a massive stroke years earlier
  and is
in a wheel chair.  I tell her and my step dad that they are the true
survivors.  A long time family friend Kim is there too.  She is a
  working
artist born with cerebral palsy, another true survivor.  I fell humbled
  ,
grateful, washed clean by this experience.  I learn that I placed third
  in
my age group only 8 seconds behind second place.  Awards are given out.
Times are impressive and I feel proud to be part of this and I even get
  to
stand on the podium wearing my Chico Women's Triathlon Jersey.
The feeling of camaraderie and the sense of this local community of
  which I
have such close ties is heart warming.  People are honored, remembered,
  and
loved.  It is time to go home and so I do, never to forget this. My
  friend
Bill who first told me about this race when he was my mother's
  occupational
therapist looked at me and said "You may not think it now, but
  you'll be
back."  I believe him.

I finally have access to internet, so here's our story.

World's is a very exciting event.  I can't tell you how big it is.
There are ladies that have been doing it for 25 years...in Margaret's
age catagory.  And what nice and inspiring ladies they are.  They all
can break down their bicycles and ship them themselves...most
impressive to me....we need to start learning that!!  They have such a
wonderful comaraderie.  My age group was great too.  Very nice ladies
that included the 2nd place from Portland who competed for the first
time this year.  Some german or Great Britain chick paced her for the
last mile or two, then whizzed past her at the finish...NOT FAIR!!!
The Palo Alto ladie...Kathy Torgeson, I beat on the swim and the
bike...although she had racing wheels and a time-trial helmet...passed
me after the turnaround on the run and I came in about 4 or so minutes
after her...she 14th.  Preben, we have to do something about my
run!!!! I mean it this time, as I really think I may continue to do
these events.
We ladies have to start aiming for this event.  It really is
inspiring..they have a AWAD division also which is Athletes with
(something) disabilities.  Very fun group and very, very inspiring.
They played a video of various photos taken during the event.
Margaret's picture of her during the run was up on the big screen, as
was one or her, me and another lady waiting to go in the water.  What
fun to see us up there. Oh, the number 1 lady in her age group that
always wins was pulled out of the water on the swim cause she started
doing the backstroke (probably because she was very very cold). They
would not let her finish the swim and took her right to the hosptal.
We were talking to the USAT president from Great Britain, Sarah
Springer, who said that's because the international signal for
distress is backstroke.
Later,.. Mary Ann

ITU Age Group World Championships 2007
Hamburg, Germany

Age Division Results:

Mary Ann Bachus (60-64) 15th, 3:06:23 hours.
Margaret Bomberg* (70-74) 5th, 4:51:55 hours.

* An timing chip issue appears to have caused
the official listed finish time and place to
be incorrect.

......some pics from local events we've done in the last couple of years. Pics
can be found here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/24783801@N00/sets/

There are a few thousand more to be posted.....but hey, it's a start. Feel free
to take any pics you want - most of them are....uh.....pretty bad.

Rodney Cox
Chico, CA
http://www.chicocyclist.blogspot.com/

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Hi all-

http://www.ucampwithus.com/LittleGrassarea.html
http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/plumas/publications/pdfs/rec_areas/littlegrass_infomap.p\
df

The carpool leaves from One Mile at 6:30am Sunday morning. We drive
the 50 miles to the town of Feather Falls, 1 mile past the Feather
Falls Trail entrance, and park on the left side.
Take Olive Hwy/Hwy 162 east from Oroville, turn right onto Forbestown
Rd. - go about 6 miles, turn left on Lumpkin Rd. - go about 12 miles
and park.

The bike ride will leave at about 8:00am. Black Rock Campground at the
LGVR is the destination. Bring your swim gear!

1) Ride east from Feather Falls, on Lumpkin Rd., for 1/2 mile, turn
right and follow the road, Mill Rd, for about 6 miles (a clearing)
where a paved side road (Lumpkin Ridge RD.) is coming in from the
right. Now, take one of two options:

2a) the 60-milers continue straight (don't turn right onto Lumpkin
Ridge Rd.) and follow that road for another 29 miles (the only paved
road.) At the end of the road it "Ts" into Lumpkin Porte Rd. and you
turn left and head down the hill for about 2 miles towards the LGVR.

2b) the 40-milers turns right, Lumpkin Ridge Rd., paved, and follow it
as it rolls upwards for the next 17 miles (it becomes Lumpkin Porte Rd
halfway up.) At the "top" the 60-milers will "T" into this road from
the left -- and you all will head down the hill for about 2 miles
towards the LGVR.

3) Through the switch-backs and at the "intersection," about 2 miles
down towards the lake, head towards the right and then very shortly,
towards the bottom of that hill, turn left into the Black Rock
Campground -- and jump in the lake. If you reach the Dam it is too far
-- and don't head leftwards clockwise around the lake.

No service along the way, so bring food, water, etc. There is water at
the lake where we will stop and swim at the boat lunch.

The 40 and 60 miles round-trip options both include a significant
amount of climbing on the way out. We all ride the 40-miler out-leg on
the way back which is mainly downhill. The roads we ride on are
paved--the only paved roads out there.

The 5-mile route goes from Nicalog Rd.
(two miles past Kiefer Rd.) and up to
the Cohasset store. Registration starts
at 8:15am. First rider if of at 9:00am.
Plenty of parking. Riding afterwards.

4 miles, 1,100 feet down Cohasset Road.

Start where the "new pavement" narrows.
Finishes at Rock Creek Rd.

Sign- & Weigh-In at 9:30am
First (heaviest) rider starts at 10:00am.

Results and Awards afterward at the
Sub Station at the Chico Airport.

The results:

Anna P 18 min 22 sec
Kim E 18 28
Elizabeth B 19 11
Teresa K 19 19
Reene F 19 26
Backa C 19 37
Jeanne O'R 19 42
Christin B 19 52
Maija C 20 02
Mary Ann 20 30
Sue K 20 59
Amy K 21 03
Darlene H 21 05
Pam W 21 14
Joanne G 21 16
Laurie G 21 49
Margaret B 26 43
Sandra B

Eric S 17 53
Walt S 18 55
Bill B 18 59
Sean 21 22

Check out chicorun's photos and profile!
http://community.webshots.com/user/chicorun

If you have any to share please send them my way Jeanneo22aol.com

Hi all-

The dates for the bike weekend up at Gabrielle's place in Bieber is
Fri, July 27 to Sun, July 29. Her place is 3:30 hours from Chico.

You can drive up there Friday or Saturday and the rides will be
Saturday and Sunday mornings leaving at 6:00am. In the afternoons
there is the option of driving to the lake to swim or to a creek /
river to soak. It gets hot in the afternoons.

Let me know if you are interested and I will get back to you with
details and particulars.

chicowtc@...

Third Annual Tour De France Party – July 7th, 2007  Order of Events:
   7:45      Meet at Airport for Prologue Start. Warm up legs for start.
   8:00       Prologue Begins starts. Prizes for winners!
   8:45      “Chez Leslie” 2158 Ceres Ave. Return to eat French dejeuner
(breakfast) with French chef, Christine and Amy making crepes. Jump in pool to
cool off (bring suits and towels). Drink coffee or Mimosas. Socialize.
   9:30      Tour De France Quiz – Brush up on your knowledge of T d F and win
fabulous prizes! Also a Tour betting pool (Gambling ooh la la!) to predict Tour
winners. $1 per bet.
   10:00    Update on the USAT Nationals Championship Race in Portland. Bring
photos and medals.
   10:25    Watch the first stage of the Tour a 8 km prologue TT in London.
Commentator Preben will point out important cycling tips.
   Guys are welcomed too! Adults only please. Girls I need a few items for the
Breckie – Could you email me or call 892-2224 and I let you know what I need.



---------------------------------
Luggage? GPS? Comic books?
Check out fitting  gifts for grads at Yahoo! Search.

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Nevada City Ride.

There are two 86-mile (6 hours) routes to Nevada City.

Both options leave from One Mile at 6:00am, head past Butte College,
past Cherokee Rd. (24.5 miles) through Oroville and east on Hwy
162/Olive Hwy to the Lakeside Market (7 miles) on the southwest corner
of Olive Hwy and Miners Ranch Rd.

The "high/hilly" route heads straight past Miners Ranch Rd. for ¼ mile
on Hwy 162, heads right onto Old Olive Hwy (1 mile), heads right onto
Forbestown Rd. (3.3 miles), heads right onto Black Bart Rd. (3.6
miles), heads right onto Forbestown Rd. (6.3 miles), through
Forbestown (store,) straight onto the Challenge Cut-Off Rd. (2.7
miles), left onto La Porte Rd. (1.5 miles,) through Challenge (store)
and shortly right onto Oregon Hill Rd. (11.3 miles,) and then turn
left onto Marysville Rd., and you are at Bullards Bar (2.5 miles).
About 10 miles down Oregon Hill Rd. you can turn left onto Road 169
(3.6 miles) – and head through the parking lot at the dam and then
over the dam.

The "low/flat" route turns right onto Miners Ranch Rd. (2.5 miles),
left onto Oroville-Bangor Hwy (6.6 miles), through Bangor (store) and
onto Los Verjeles Rd. (5 miles), left onto Lome Rica Rd. (1.4 miles),
left onto Marysville Rd. (store) (2.6 miles,) right onto Marysville
Rd. (store) through Oregon House and Dobbins and Bullards Bar (15
miles) is next.

Both options cross over the Bullards Bar Dam and about 1.5 miles up
the hill turn right onto Moonshine Rd. (3.9 miles,) head right onto
Hwy 49 to North San Juan (store) (2.3 miles,) and Nevada City (13.4
miles) is next.

Entering Nevada City, head right onto W. Broad St., which further down
is a part of the racecourse. If you get there before 1:00pm your can
do a few loops on the course.

One alternative option is to start at the Lakeside Market east of
Oroville turning it into a 55-mile ride. Another alternative is to
ride from One Mile to Bullards Bar, 65 miles, and get a ride up to
Nevada City.

Hey girls something to add to your busy calendars! On June 13 after the Fast 50
we will be hosting (Vanessa and I) a BBQ for those newlyweds Anna and Eric. They
will be bringing a slide show of their Honeymoon in Kauai and their lovely
wedding photos.

   We'll provide the burgers and hotdogs, cool pool and cool drinks. You bring a
side or dessert. Come straight from the ride and cool off in the pool.

   Call Vanessa 345-0341 or Leslie 892-2224 with questions.




---------------------------------
Need a vacation? Get great deals to amazing places on Yahoo! Travel.

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Carpool leaves One Mile at 7:00am. The ride leaves from Mineral at
8:45am. The road is cleared to just past the road summet. 20 to 50
mile ride options.

The park fee is $5.00/bikes and $10.00/cars.  The fees are set to
double for 2008. Current Mt. Lassen road conditions can be see at:
http://www.nps.gov/lavo/planyourvisit/lassen_roadsandtrails.htm

The Butte County Board of Supervisors is closing in on approving this
proposed mine that according to the EIR will result in 16,000+ truck
trips yearly of which the majority will come down Chico River Road
through Chico.

On Tuesday, April 24th, the Board will hear an appeal of the Planning
Commission's EIR certification.

For anybody with any input on this project this will be just about the
last chance to do so.

Concerns offered by cyclists, besides the safety aspects related to
the volume of truck traffic interacting with the significant number of
cyclists using this road daily, include the fact that the road-bed
already is several feet too narrow for general traffic and that the
County so far has decided not to do anything about that.

An additional though brough up is that in the project permit process
there seems to be nothing allerting the project operators to the fact
that Chico River Road is a significan bike route and that the
operation needs to appreciate that and provide suggestions as to how
to deal with that fact.

For more info: The EIR document can be read at the library or found at
www.buttecounty.net/dds

Contact info for the Supervisors can be found at:
http://www.buttecounty.net/Default.aspx?tabid=52

Send me an e-mail if you have any questions.

Ride leaves from One Mile at 8:00am. Head out past Butte College, take
Wheelock Rd., Coal Canyon Rd., and Table Mt. Blvd. to the store stop
in Oroville. Head up over Table Mt., enjoy the wildflowers, and then
it is back to Chico.

The Alternative Ride: Carpool from One Mile at 8:00am to the new gas
station behind Butte College - Clark Rd. Ride the Table Mt. loop from
there.

The carpool time from One Mile has been moved up to 7:00am allowing us
to ride at 8:00am from Orland. The weather forecast is for sunny and
in the mid-70s. We park and start, as usual, from the north-east
corner of Walker St./County Rd. 99W (6th St.) just across the railroad
tracks, at the stop light.

Ride option A-Orland. 72-miles. Orland - Willows - Elk Creek
(store/half way) - Crome - Newville - Black Butte Lake - Orland

Ride option B-Willows. 46 miles. Willows - Elk Creek - Willows.

On St Patricks Day, Saturday, March 17th, CSUC host a fun run (3
miles) and walk (2 miles) on the Chico State campus.

There is a free breakfast, Irish dancers and Irish Music by the local
band The Pub Scouts.

Event registration at 8:00am ($12.00/adults -- $5.00/under 18.) Race
start is at 9:00am on the lawn in front of Kendal Hall. Awards and
drawings at 11:30am.

We got fliers at the club--or contact me and I will get you one.

Join the "survivors" on Fri, March 2nd at 5:30 at Monk's cafe, 128 W
2nd St., and see the pictures and hear the stories about the recent
Death Vally Trip. Hear about the rides and hikes you missed out on, my
brief come-back, and about how you can get in on the trip for 2008.

The sun is coming out and daylight savings time comes early this year
so it is time to get physical active and start training for the
upcoming triathlon season.

We start up the Spring training for the Women's Triathlon Group on
Monday, March 5th at 6:00pm with an easy jog from the Chico Sports
Club. The weekly group training sessions will run until late-June.
After a few weeks off we start up the Fall training in mid-July and
train until late-October.

Let us know if you have any questions, want us to mail you one of our
fliers, or join us for on of our information meetings. Check out
www.womenstriclub.com.

Informational Meetings
Thur 02/29 at 6:00pm
Mon 03/05 at 5:00pm
Wed 03/07 at 6:00pm

The meetings are all held at the Conference room at the Chico Sports
Club and will address format and program issues including goal events,
training schedule, etc.

Many of us will be participating in the Bidwell Classic next Saturday
in Bidwell Park and you are welcome to stop us and ask any question
you might have.

Hi all

Here we list when VS (the old OLN) is showing the big spring classic
road races. Watch and learn from the pros as they criss-cross Europe
in pursuit of glory.

Paris-Nice -- March 11 and March 18 at 5:00pm ET
"The Race to the Sun", the Paris-Nice is the first big stage
competition of the season. This eight-stage event kicks off the UCI
Pro Tour and covers over 1000km of road from Paris to the finish on
the Promenade des Anglais in Nice.

Critérium International -- April 1 at 5:00pm ET
Created in 1932, le Critérium International in France welcomes the
cycling elite for a traditional three-part race (a flat stage, a
mountain stage and an individual time trial) taking place over two days.

Tour of Flanders -- April 8 at 7:00pm ET
The Tour of Flanders is one of the most prestigious of the spring
classics. It's an endurance race in the true sense. It consists of a
longer distance, 269 km, with more than a dozen climbs, which vary
year to year. There are no Alpine or Pyrenean mountains, but most of
them narrow and steep and some even cobbled. Not only are they a
problem to negotiate, the climbs also raise the tempo in between since
everybody wants to be in a good position when they start.

Paris-Roubaix -- April 15 at 5:00pm ET
Created in 1896, Paris-Roubaix is a reference event, marked by its
rigorous criteria and its personality. It tests both man and machine
to the bounds of resistance over a course which is tailored to
legendary exploits. Known as the "Hell of The North", this is the most
rugged of the spring classics as the racers make their way over the
muddy cobbled roads in France.

Amstel Gold -- April 22 at 5:00pm ET
This modern classic featuring the most complicated course in World Cup
road cycling.  The course makes the most of the few hills that are
found across the mostly flat landscape of the Netherlands, finishing
up on the famous Cauberg Climb.

Tour de Georgia -- April 28 and 29 at 5:00pm ET
The 2006 Ford Tour de Georgia is North America's premier, professional
cycling event. The international event is an annual, six-day,
professional cycling stage race. This year there are six stages,
including an individual time trial and will cover approximately 650
miles/1040km.

Liege-Bastogne-Liege -- April 29 at 5:00pm ET
Created in 1892, Liege-Bastogne-Liege is the oldest classic.  It is
one of the most prestigious and exacting events of the season.
Covering the hilliest part of Belgium, the end of this race for
complete riders and attackers includes a succession of high-gradient
climbs.

La Flech Vallonne -- April 29 at 5:00pm ET
Created 70 years ago, this race is the first of two Ardennes classics
in Belgium.  Along the three-lap race are smaller climbs, but the
final climb up the steep Mur de Huy is where the race is won or lost.

Tour de Suisse -- June 11 and 18 at 5:00pm ET
The Tour de Suisse is one of the four most prestigious cycling tours
in the world, with the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a
Espana. Its 10 stages consist of 1,462km. The event allows competitors
to maintain their form coming out of the Giro d'Italia and warm up for
the Tour de France. It is the final race before the Tour De France and
provides an exciting arena for Tour contenders to showcase their form.

Tour de France -- July 7-29 several times a day.
The Tour de France is the most prestigious bicycle race in the world.
First held in 1903, the race makes a three-week route through France.
The Tour de France is considered the most difficult race on the
calendar due to the extreme terrain and the top level of competition.
The winner of the race is generally regarded as the top cyclist that
year regardless of other race results. The race leader wears a yellow
jersey ("Maillot Jaune"), the color of a French newspaper, L'Auto, the
race's original sponsor. The King of the Mountains jersey, which
signifies the best climber, is a white jersey with big red polka dots
on it. The Points jersey, which signifies the rider with the most
consistent finishes and intermediate sprints, is a green jersey and is
usually worn by the best sprinters in the race that year.

Paris-Tours -- October 14 at 5:00pm ET
The Paris-Tours, a race which covers over 250km in one day, is the
last of the prestigious classics on the cycling calendar.  In its
101st edition this year, sprinters will thrive with a three kilometer
finish straight on the Avenue Du Grammont.

Tour du Faso -- November 25 at 5:00pm ET
In less than 20 years, the Tour du Faso has become the greatest
professional race in Africa, reflecting the vitality of its creators.
Debuting in 1987, the event features 11 race stages, one rest day
1305.5km and six riders per team.

In 2007, daylight savings time begins on March 11 and ends on November
4. [New law goes into effect.]

The sun sets at 7:10pm the following Wednesday giving you until about
7:20pm before it is dark. Just enough time for a quickie Fast 50.

http://webexhibits.org/daylightsaving/b.html

http://aa.usno.navy.mil/faq/docs/daylight_time.html

In 2008, daylight time begins on March 9 and ends on November 2.

Besides winning or finishing in the top 10 percent of your age group
in a USAT sanctioned event before the end of June, 2007, the folowing
"local" event is a Regional Championship and qualifier for the 2007
nationals:

Bakersfield Triathlon
May 19, 2007
Bakersfield, CA
www.bakersfieldtriathlon.com

A Regional Championship race qualifies the top 33 percent or top-five
finishers (whichever is greater) in each age group for the 2007 Age
Group National Championship on June 30 in Portland, Ore.


Also, the 2007 Age Group National Championship will be a double
qualifier. The top 16 in each age group will qualify for the 2007
World Championships in Hamburg, Germany (September 1-2). The top 8 in
each age group will also qualify for the 2008 World Championships in
Vancouver, Canada (June 7-8).

Also, all U.S. athletes are required to be annual members of USA
Triathlon BEFORE qualifying.

What is "required" to be on the US "team?"  In short, although USAT
provides a travel package, the athlete (you) has to pay your own way
and you are required to make a "minimum" purchase--certain team
uniform items--too!

Check out the following two links for more details if this is for you:

http://www.usatriathlon.org/AthleteFocus/TeamUSA/Teams.aspx
http://www.usatriathlon.org/AthleteFocus/TeamUSA/Teams/TeamUSAInfo.aspx

In a few days camp info will be mailed out.  The dates are Feb. 2-4
with a schedule similar to previous years. The weather forecast looks
good so many of you will be able to get in a bit of training before
the camp.

At 6:00pm every Wednesday in January Velo is showing bike videos at
Celestino's Pizza downtown. It is the 2006 Giro d'Italia part 1 and
part 2 the first two Wednesdays respectively, it is the 2006 Tour de
France part 1 and part 2 the following two Wednesdays respectively,
and it is the history of "The Critical Mass" in SF the last Wednesday.
  Join us for great action and beer and pizza.

Nationals is this year and next year held in Hagg Lake in Oregon.

The course is great for those who like good challenging rollers and
smaller climbs on both the run and the bike. The are is great for a
triahtlon.

Nationals also allows you to qualify for and then pay your way onto
the "national team" for Worlds 2007.

The race and lodging close by will sell out in two minutes flat.

Gabrielle is strongly leaning on going.

Go to:
http://www.usatriathlon.org/UsatEvents/2007NationalChampionships/2007AgeGroupNat\
ionals.aspx