The weather couldn't have been more perfect for last night's first ride of the season! We had 11 women show up to the ride. There were 5 women on the B ride and 5 on the A. Special thanks goes to Susan who showed up for the group picture even though she wasn't able to ride last night - that's dedication! The B ride averaged 14 mph for 16 miles. I don't have stats on the A ride (if someone emails them to me I will update), but it was quite a bit faster. I think the men were going at a pretty fast clip - even when we asked them to keep it at 19mph.
Ladies - if you were on the A ride and felt discouraged getting dropped by the men and thinking about not coming back, please know we will change things for next week and the future. Please give us another chance! We are still trying to work out the kinks for rides early in the season. The A riding women could make make their own A- ride or follow the guys out and then cluster together for their own ride as the guys pace picks up.
Both womens rides are no-drop rides, meaning there are 3-4 stops during the ride to re-group, drink some water, catch your breath. For safety, we stop at all stop signs and traffic lights.
Some future joinees are asking what to bring on the ride - bike (preferably a road bike), helmet, water bottle, cellphone, spare tube in case you get a flat and something to pump up the tire with (co2 or pump), a few dollars, and very important is some type of ID. I love www.roadid.com bracelet I just bought one in PINK, of course! If anyone has anything else to add to this list, please feel free to leave a comment.
Other items to bring/wear that make riding a little more comfortable - cycling shorts (these are meant to be worn without underwear so you don't chafe-FYI), cycling gloves (these have pads on the palms to prevent hands going numb), clipless pedals - if anyone has anything else to the list, please feel free to leave a comment.
Hope to see even more women join us next week!
Happy riding,
Shannon
P.S. Just a reminder to email in your "Rider of the Week" questionnaire. I have only received 2 thus far. We will take individual pictures next week to go with these.
Wednesday
Monday
4/28 Ride
Hi women,
The weather looks great for tomorrow's ride! Looking forward to seeing you at our first ride of the season. Both rides A and B will leave from the shop at 6pm. Please allow time getting to the shop due to traffic on Route 1 in Saco, as well as time to change and use the restroom at the shop, if necessary. We will meet outside the shop on Cutts Avenue for our group picture at 6pm and then we'll be on our way!
Happy riding,
Shannon
The weather looks great for tomorrow's ride! Looking forward to seeing you at our first ride of the season. Both rides A and B will leave from the shop at 6pm. Please allow time getting to the shop due to traffic on Route 1 in Saco, as well as time to change and use the restroom at the shop, if necessary. We will meet outside the shop on Cutts Avenue for our group picture at 6pm and then we'll be on our way!
Happy riding,
Shannon
Tuesday
4/21/2009 Ride - Cancelled
Hello riders,
Due to the rain today, we will postpone our first official women's ride of the season until next Tuesday, April 28th. Hope to see you then!
Happy riding,
Shannon
Due to the rain today, we will postpone our first official women's ride of the season until next Tuesday, April 28th. Hope to see you then!
Happy riding,
Shannon
Monday
4/21/2009 Ride
Hi gals,
I have been getting some emails from women asking about the ride tomorrow and if we would ride in the rain. Tuesday looks to be quite rainy for our first ride of the season. If it were later in the season I think we would be more inclined to ride, but this early the riding just isn't very fun in the cold, wet weather. If it's visibly raining and the roads are wet, we will postpone our first ride. If it has stopped raining and the roads are somewhat dry, we will ride. I will update the blog tomorrow at noon once I see what the weather is doing mid-day. Stay tuned!
-Shannon
I have been getting some emails from women asking about the ride tomorrow and if we would ride in the rain. Tuesday looks to be quite rainy for our first ride of the season. If it were later in the season I think we would be more inclined to ride, but this early the riding just isn't very fun in the cold, wet weather. If it's visibly raining and the roads are wet, we will postpone our first ride. If it has stopped raining and the roads are somewhat dry, we will ride. I will update the blog tomorrow at noon once I see what the weather is doing mid-day. Stay tuned!
-Shannon
Saturday
First Ride of the 2009 Season!
Hi Women Bikers,
The time has finally arrived for our first official ride of the season on Tuesday, April 21st! The weather looks to be showers for Tuesday, but hopefully this will change in the next 3 days! Both the A and B rides leave the Saco shop of Gorham Bike and Fitness at 6pm. Please be ready to roll at 6pm. The shop closes at 6pm, so arrive early if you need services at the shop, or to use their bathroom.
Gorham Bike & Fitness is located on Main St. in Saco. Please park on Cutts Ave next to the shop. There is a parking lot behind the town hall to be used for parking as well.
I rode the B route last week and the pavement is pretty chopped up in sections going down to Camp Ellis. We will keep the roads of this route, but will ride them in a different order so we have better pavement. This will include - Beach Street, Old Orchard Street, Saco Ave, Portland Ave, Ross Road, Pine Point Rd, East Grand, West Grand, Bayview, Beach Street. Just a reminder - we will come to a complete stop at all stop signs and traffic lights for increased safety. The A ride route varies week to week and will be discussed the night of the ride.
We will plan to take a group picture Tuesday night as well. Look forward to riding with you! If the weather is very rainy, we will postpone our ride until the following week.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email me.
Happy Riding,
Shannon
p.s. Thanks everyone who showed up last week for our info night and tire changing clinic - we had 15 women in attendance!
The time has finally arrived for our first official ride of the season on Tuesday, April 21st! The weather looks to be showers for Tuesday, but hopefully this will change in the next 3 days! Both the A and B rides leave the Saco shop of Gorham Bike and Fitness at 6pm. Please be ready to roll at 6pm. The shop closes at 6pm, so arrive early if you need services at the shop, or to use their bathroom.
Gorham Bike & Fitness is located on Main St. in Saco. Please park on Cutts Ave next to the shop. There is a parking lot behind the town hall to be used for parking as well.
I rode the B route last week and the pavement is pretty chopped up in sections going down to Camp Ellis. We will keep the roads of this route, but will ride them in a different order so we have better pavement. This will include - Beach Street, Old Orchard Street, Saco Ave, Portland Ave, Ross Road, Pine Point Rd, East Grand, West Grand, Bayview, Beach Street. Just a reminder - we will come to a complete stop at all stop signs and traffic lights for increased safety. The A ride route varies week to week and will be discussed the night of the ride.
We will plan to take a group picture Tuesday night as well. Look forward to riding with you! If the weather is very rainy, we will postpone our ride until the following week.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email me.
Happy Riding,
Shannon
p.s. Thanks everyone who showed up last week for our info night and tire changing clinic - we had 15 women in attendance!
Thursday
Friday, April 10th ride
Kim is interested in riding tomorrow and asked me to make this post...
Hi there fellow bike ridin' lady friends. I will be riding tomorrow from the Saco/Biddeford area and was wondering if i could rope any of you into accompanying me. My goal is to finish up by dark (7:30-7:40ish) ... ride a casual but steadily-paced 28 to 32 miles (i'll have a few routes in mind) ... simply time in the saddle. I would say we ought to be leaving our meeting spot by 5:30pm. I will be at the mill buildings in Biddeford, but can meet in a different location somewhere in Saco or Biddeford if that makes more sense to others. Please send an email or give me a call if you would be interested in joining me and we can decide on a meeting place!
Take care.
- kim :)
phone - 590.2575
Hi there fellow bike ridin' lady friends. I will be riding tomorrow from the Saco/Biddeford area and was wondering if i could rope any of you into accompanying me. My goal is to finish up by dark (7:30-7:40ish) ... ride a casual but steadily-paced 28 to 32 miles (i'll have a few routes in mind) ... simply time in the saddle. I would say we ought to be leaving our meeting spot by 5:30pm. I will be at the mill buildings in Biddeford, but can meet in a different location somewhere in Saco or Biddeford if that makes more sense to others. Please send an email or give me a call if you would be interested in joining me and we can decide on a meeting place!
Take care.
- kim :)
phone - 590.2575
Saturday
2009 Season Opening Events for the SMCC women!
Greetings women riders!
Tuesday, April 14th, the women of Southern Maine Cycling Club (SMCC) will be starting the season with a Tire Changing Clinic and Group Riding and Safety 101 class from 5:30-7pm at the Gorham Bike & Fitness shop - located on Main Street in Saco (cost is free!). This is an informational night in the shop – so no need to bring your bike! Even if you can't make it until 6pm, please join us then! Whether you are new to riding, haven’t been riding long or just want a refresher, this will be a great event for you! In addition to covering rules of the road, group riding information and safety, we’ll also cover what to put in your under-seat bag and what to wear for the most comfort on the bike. We hope you will attend this meeting so our first group ride we won’t have to spend time reviewing these things, but can spend the time on our bikes! If you cannot attend but want to, please drop me an email so I can make sure to review some things with you before our first ride on the road. John, from the shop, has graciously agreed to give the tire changing demo. I hear he likes chocolate chop cookies if anyone wants to bring a thank-you gift for him :)
Our first official ride of the season is Tuesday, April 21st at 5:30pm. The ride will eventually change to 6pm as the days get longer. I highly suggest you get out on your bike at least twice before our ride on April 21st – for yourself, and also out of respect for the others who have been riding the past month. This will serve many purposes – 1st It will let you know if your bike needs to be tuned-up or repaired so you have time to get it into the shop before the 21st. 2nd It will give your some saddle time to help your body be ready to bike in a group setting. The first few times you’re out on your bike can feel a little unsteady as your body acclimates to riding, looking over your shoulder for cars, bum gets used to the seat, neck & shoulders getting used to holding up your head, etc. 3rd It will be safer for the group if you have ridden a few times already because you will be faster, know your shifting better and won’t be as teetery (squirrely) on the bike which translates into less risk for injury for yourself and the other riders.
This year, we will have 2 rides, (both are no-drop rides). A “no-drop ride” does not mean we go slow enough not to drop anyone – it just means we will have periodic stops along the way to regroup.
The B ride will be for women only and will average 14-15 mph. Distance will start at about 16 miles and will increase as the season goes along. Our route for April and May is as follows (we'll change the route each month or so): http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/me/saco/444123876654294082 In the past we have said bring any type of bike, (road, hybrid, mountain) but you are going to be more comfortable, safer and faster if you are on a road bike. If you do not have a road bike, contact me and we can see about finding you a road bike. (FYI - Cape Able bike shop in Kennebunkport rents road bikes – you may want to rent for a few weeks to see if this is something you are going to pursue long-term). If you do not feel you are able to ride at 15 mph for 16 miles, I would suggest riding more often during the week to work up to this speed and distance and challenge yourself. If you need more suggestions on how to get stronger or to ride faster, you may want to look into hiring a coach. Dave Pelese is a certified cycling coach dave@gorhambike.com if you would like a email him about a training program or for more information.
The A ride will be co-ed. Pace will be 19 mph. Distance around 30 miles – and more as the days get longer. Route changes weekly. Even if you feel like you might not ride at 19 mph (yet), I highly recommend challenging yourself by joining this ride so you get stronger and eventually you’ll be able to hang on for the entire ride. Last year this ride was really fast, but the racers are no longer riding in this ride. This ride is supposed to be slower than the Saturday morning ride from Gorham Bike in Portland. I hope this encourages you to come out and try this one!
Become a Member! We hope you will considering joining the SMCC club (annual dues are only $20) if you are riding in our group rides. This membership will give you access to great discounts on bikes, clothing and accessories, plus you can purchase our sweet pink clothing when it arrives this spring! Here is a club membership form you can print out and mail with a check into the shop. http://gorhambike.com/dir/244/files/SMCC-Membership-Form-09.pdf
Looking forward to next week! Should be FUN!!!!
See you on April 14th!
Happy riding,
Shannon
Tuesday, April 14th, the women of Southern Maine Cycling Club (SMCC) will be starting the season with a Tire Changing Clinic and Group Riding and Safety 101 class from 5:30-7pm at the Gorham Bike & Fitness shop - located on Main Street in Saco (cost is free!). This is an informational night in the shop – so no need to bring your bike! Even if you can't make it until 6pm, please join us then! Whether you are new to riding, haven’t been riding long or just want a refresher, this will be a great event for you! In addition to covering rules of the road, group riding information and safety, we’ll also cover what to put in your under-seat bag and what to wear for the most comfort on the bike. We hope you will attend this meeting so our first group ride we won’t have to spend time reviewing these things, but can spend the time on our bikes! If you cannot attend but want to, please drop me an email so I can make sure to review some things with you before our first ride on the road. John, from the shop, has graciously agreed to give the tire changing demo. I hear he likes chocolate chop cookies if anyone wants to bring a thank-you gift for him :)
Our first official ride of the season is Tuesday, April 21st at 5:30pm. The ride will eventually change to 6pm as the days get longer. I highly suggest you get out on your bike at least twice before our ride on April 21st – for yourself, and also out of respect for the others who have been riding the past month. This will serve many purposes – 1st It will let you know if your bike needs to be tuned-up or repaired so you have time to get it into the shop before the 21st. 2nd It will give your some saddle time to help your body be ready to bike in a group setting. The first few times you’re out on your bike can feel a little unsteady as your body acclimates to riding, looking over your shoulder for cars, bum gets used to the seat, neck & shoulders getting used to holding up your head, etc. 3rd It will be safer for the group if you have ridden a few times already because you will be faster, know your shifting better and won’t be as teetery (squirrely) on the bike which translates into less risk for injury for yourself and the other riders.
This year, we will have 2 rides, (both are no-drop rides). A “no-drop ride” does not mean we go slow enough not to drop anyone – it just means we will have periodic stops along the way to regroup.
The B ride will be for women only and will average 14-15 mph. Distance will start at about 16 miles and will increase as the season goes along. Our route for April and May is as follows (we'll change the route each month or so): http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/me/saco/444123876654294082 In the past we have said bring any type of bike, (road, hybrid, mountain) but you are going to be more comfortable, safer and faster if you are on a road bike. If you do not have a road bike, contact me and we can see about finding you a road bike. (FYI - Cape Able bike shop in Kennebunkport rents road bikes – you may want to rent for a few weeks to see if this is something you are going to pursue long-term). If you do not feel you are able to ride at 15 mph for 16 miles, I would suggest riding more often during the week to work up to this speed and distance and challenge yourself. If you need more suggestions on how to get stronger or to ride faster, you may want to look into hiring a coach. Dave Pelese is a certified cycling coach dave@gorhambike.com if you would like a email him about a training program or for more information.
The A ride will be co-ed. Pace will be 19 mph. Distance around 30 miles – and more as the days get longer. Route changes weekly. Even if you feel like you might not ride at 19 mph (yet), I highly recommend challenging yourself by joining this ride so you get stronger and eventually you’ll be able to hang on for the entire ride. Last year this ride was really fast, but the racers are no longer riding in this ride. This ride is supposed to be slower than the Saturday morning ride from Gorham Bike in Portland. I hope this encourages you to come out and try this one!
Become a Member! We hope you will considering joining the SMCC club (annual dues are only $20) if you are riding in our group rides. This membership will give you access to great discounts on bikes, clothing and accessories, plus you can purchase our sweet pink clothing when it arrives this spring! Here is a club membership form you can print out and mail with a check into the shop. http://gorhambike.com/dir/244/files/SMCC-Membership-Form-09.pdf
Looking forward to next week! Should be FUN!!!!
See you on April 14th!
Happy riding,
Shannon
Friday
Scone Recipe
Many people wanted my scone recipe so I thought I would post it here.
"Sea Crest by the Sea" Buttermilk Scones
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
In small bowl, beat the following with a fork and then set aside:
1/2 c. buttermilk (if you don't have - use 1/2 cup milk and 1/2 TBS vinegar or lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes)
1 egg
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp almond flavoring
Measure out the following and set aside:
3/4 c. white chocolate chips
3/4 c. frozen raspberries
In large bowl mix together:
2 c. flour (I use 1/2 unbleached white, 1/2 whole wheat)
1/3 c. sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
Then add 6 TBS butter (chopped into 1/2" cubes ) and mix using pastry blender or hands until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the buttermilk mixture to the flour mixture and barely stir until crumbs are moistened. Then fold in chips and berries. If you overmix the scones will be hockey pucks! Most of the ingredients are just pressed together. It doesn't have to look pretty and the corners square, etc. It will look pretty after it's cooked!
With lightly floured hands, pat the dough into ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until top is lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cut into 9 to 16 pieces - depending on your scone size preference! Serve warm or cool completely and store in an airtight container.
"Sea Crest by the Sea" Buttermilk Scones
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
In small bowl, beat the following with a fork and then set aside:
1/2 c. buttermilk (if you don't have - use 1/2 cup milk and 1/2 TBS vinegar or lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes)
1 egg
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp almond flavoring
Measure out the following and set aside:
3/4 c. white chocolate chips
3/4 c. frozen raspberries
In large bowl mix together:
2 c. flour (I use 1/2 unbleached white, 1/2 whole wheat)
1/3 c. sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
Then add 6 TBS butter (chopped into 1/2" cubes ) and mix using pastry blender or hands until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the buttermilk mixture to the flour mixture and barely stir until crumbs are moistened. Then fold in chips and berries. If you overmix the scones will be hockey pucks! Most of the ingredients are just pressed together. It doesn't have to look pretty and the corners square, etc. It will look pretty after it's cooked!
With lightly floured hands, pat the dough into ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until top is lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cut into 9 to 16 pieces - depending on your scone size preference! Serve warm or cool completely and store in an airtight container.
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