Did the BIG RIDE to Portland!!!

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Claire_in_Seattle
Claire_in_Seattle Member Posts: 4,570
edited July 2018 in Acknowledging and honoring our Community

I was a bit worried about this one, as had the online article up, and would have felt foolish if I hadn't been able to finish.  I needn't have worried.  All went just fine.  No worse off than a bit tired today.  (Me and about 6000 other riders.)

The total amount of cycling was 204 miles over 2 days.  So back-to-back Century rides.

I was faster than ever on some of the long stretches, so all my training did pay off.  It also has paid off physically, as I got a compliment about my legs while crossing the Longview Bridge.

This is my sixth Seattle-to-Portland in 6 years.  This year, I am adding the journey in the opposite direction to Vancouver BC late next month.

Hardest part of the ride????  Getting back on that saddle on Day 2Innocent

Most fun???  Seeing a mother cow and her young calf at the end of Day 1.  So peaceful.  I told her that her picture would be seen worldwide on Facebook and she was unimpressed.  I wouldn't want to leave the Newaukum Valley on that wonderful July evening either.

Most satisfying moment????  Taking the first sip of a celebratory IPA at the FINISH!!! - Claire

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited July 2012

    Congratulations Claire - awesome achievement!

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  • geewhiz
    geewhiz Member Posts: 1,439
    edited July 2012

    Back to back century rides? I can't even imagine climbing back up on that saddle. Yowza!!

    But

    YOU DID IT!!!!

    It's so much fun to follow your riding stories! You are really living it! Way to go girl!!

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  • Cindi2011
    Cindi2011 Member Posts: 133
    edited July 2012

    Way to go girl is right!  I rode cycle yesterday and put on about 150 miles.  I had trouble getting back on today also and I was on a motorcyle.  Huge success for you, keep up the good work.  I could never do what you do.

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  • Claire_in_Seattle
    Claire_in_Seattle Member Posts: 4,570
    edited August 2012

    Just did it again this past weekend, but in the opposite direction to Vancouver BC.  192 miles this time via the back roads over 2 days.  The most amazing time.  Dragging a bit, but otherwise just fine. 

    I will need to go back and tour the city....hopefully again by bicycle.  But will train it (Amtrak Cascades) both ways.

    Already planning next summer's expeditions, and still two more months of primo cycling weather.

    The best part of the trip was a hilly portion that I did on another ride back in the spring.  So much easier this time, and this was after Mile 90 on Day 1.  Last time, 9 miles into the ride.  Just amazing what training will do.

    I am thinking two more long one day rides this season, plus the training and fun rides I normally.  PLUS........finally hiking on Mt Rainier.  Can't wait to do that.

    Life is great!!!

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited August 2012

    Claire, you're an inspiration for anyone (after BC or not) about finding joy in fitness! Congrats on your latest achievement.

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  • Claire_in_Seattle
    Claire_in_Seattle Member Posts: 4,570
    edited July 2013

    UPDATE!!!!  This year, I have taken up running which strengthened my core.  Did the same ride last weekend and a personal best!!

    Fastest time ever, and I made it up all 3 of the hills that I had always walked as "too difficult".

    I have finished 7 of 7 since moving to Seattle.

    True confession: moving slowly this AM.  I just can't do double century rides without "noticing" things for a few days after.

    Such as not being excited about sitting on a bicycle seat for a few daysLaughing

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  • proudtospin
    proudtospin Member Posts: 5,972
    edited July 2013

    congrats to you!  I have done some slightly shorter rides so remember the feeling in my butt!  Yes, you are entitled to be bushed this morning~

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited July 2013

    That's awesome Claire - congratulations! You're entitled to move a little slowly today!  Smile

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  • Beesie
    Beesie Member Posts: 12,240
    edited July 2013

    CONGRATS, Claire!

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  • Claire_in_Seattle
    Claire_in_Seattle Member Posts: 4,570
    edited July 2014

    Have to post AGAIN that I did it. This is 8 for 8. This year, the big challenge was the HEAT on Saturday, something like cycling 6 hours into the sun in 90F+ temps. A lot of people didn't finish. I was amazed at how strong I really am now. I powered up the hills, and made it only because I was able to hose down when I started to get overheated.

    Never have I been happier to see clouds than when they rolled in on Sunday and cooled things off 30 degrees.

    I keep hearing of people who got heat stroke. I am not surprised.

    Anyway, the stats are:

    • Almost no sleep on Friday night as had to finish up a "sample of my work" for an interview a couple of days ago. So about 4 hours of sleep.
    • Cycle 116 miles on Saturday including the 6 hours in the heat.
    • Almost no sleep again on Saturday night as Church floor is hard and I had leg cramping.
    • Cycle 93 miles on Sunday plus walk a couple of miles to hotel and dinner with luggage. (Bicycle went back to Seattle on bus.)

    Back to Seattle on Monday with lots of tales to tell. Interestingly, I was more tired than sore, so tough concentrating until Wednesday.

    Today, I did a ride with a friend, but took my OTHER BICYCLE.  And just about 20 miles of country lanes. Next up is Tour de Lavender in two weeks. I will be ready for something major by then.

    Life is good. (And I just passed my five year check, a couple of months early.) - Claire

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited July 2014

    Awesome, Claire!  You are such an inspiration!    

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  • Claire_in_Seattle
    Claire_in_Seattle Member Posts: 4,570
    edited July 2014

    Thanks for the good words. I just paid up and downloaded pictures from MarathonFoto.  Here is the one of me crossing the FINISH. - Claire

    image


     

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  • simplelife4real
    simplelife4real Member Posts: 563
    edited July 2014

    That is fantastic Claire!  You give me great hope.  I had an ALND in Feb. 2014 and I've been really concerned about getting lymphedema doing long-distance rides on an upright bike.  I had been considering going over to a trike....now, I'm thinking riding my beloved upright for longer rides again just might be possible!

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  • ruthbru
    ruthbru Member Posts: 57,235
    edited July 2014

    ThumbsUpThumbsUp

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  • Claire_in_Seattle
    Claire_in_Seattle Member Posts: 4,570
    edited July 2014

    Thank you Kay. I just sent you a PM, but also want to mention that after finishing all regular treatment, exercise is the best thing we can do for ourselves to impact survival. To say nothing of all the other ailments you don't want either.

    In fact, the only downside of exercise I have found is that you look better in clothes, so much more tempting to buy them.

    This includes my cycling duds. These come to major money, and this is with eBay!

    So hoping you get on and RIDE very soon. No, you don't need a tricycle. And guess what, it wasn't my arm were I felt things post ride. I think I am finally ready to get on that seat again. Last weekend I rode my other hybrid bicycle. - Claire

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  • Claire_in_Seattle
    Claire_in_Seattle Member Posts: 4,570
    edited July 2015

    Here to report that I just finished the 2015 Seattle-to-Portland! Again, a fun time. This makes the NINTH year in a row that I have done the event. I use it to make sure I get trained and fit. I could watch my body change as I ramped up the training a bit over a month ago and got much fitter.

    Difference this year was that I did outdoor camping, so had my own space at the midway point. Plus, was the only woman pitching her own tent.

    Was stronger than ever this year which made a difference on the hills and at the finish where I actually enjoyed the ride through Portland. But tired going in from work deadlines, so wasn't quite as fast as I expected to be.

    One thing that doing this ride proves to me (I cycled 208 miles over 2 days, so back-to-back Century rides) is that it is possible to be "better than ever" post treatment. I can do all the hills, and I couldn't do this prior to treatment. I am fit and sculpted, which is relatively unusual as we get older. All this can be done, but it does take discipline. Why I choose a yearly goal to stay on track.

    Will post pictures when available. Now my goal is to make it 10 for 10 next year!

    Because I want to be the person who says "why, I would love to jump into that river for a swim", not the one who says "ooh, it's cold and everyone swimming is decades younger". And because, it's all about living to the fullest. Happy summer!!! - Claire

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  • RonnieKay
    RonnieKay Member Posts: 2,067
    edited July 2016

    Proud of my King County sister!!!

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  • Claire_in_Seattle
    Claire_in_Seattle Member Posts: 4,570
    edited July 2016

    It's tomorrow, Ronnie!!! Wish me luck as this year will be 10 for 10. I am counting it even if I crash One Foot out of the Start. I will be sure to let everyone know when I get to Portland. Thanks again. - Claire

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  • PlanB58
    PlanB58 Member Posts: 157
    edited July 2016

    Claire You are amazing!!!!!!

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  • Claire_in_Seattle
    Claire_in_Seattle Member Posts: 4,570
    edited July 2016

    Just checking in to say that I did it!!! I got to Portland despite an unwelcome headwind on Day 1. Now recovered enough to be in celebration mode. Just downloaded a picture of me at the finish, a very sweet moment. And yes, I am wearing the medal. - Claire

    image

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2016

    That's so awesome, Claire!! You look great and inspire so many!!

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  • Tomboy
    Tomboy Member Posts: 3,945
    edited July 2016

    Clair! I am gonna get busy! You have inspired me!

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  • Claire_in_Seattle
    Claire_in_Seattle Member Posts: 4,570
    edited July 2017

    Hi everyone,

    Yes, I did it again this year. Best Day 1 ever, and better than ever at the hills. That said, a sleepless night in a damp tent where I froze didn't get me off to a great Day 2 start. But I prevailed and did just fine. A shot of me at the finish. This is prior to a recovery IPA at the beer garden.

    This makes ELEVEN in a row of 200+ miles. Still gloating, but have to admit it will be at least another week until I am ready for any real time on a bicycle seat. - Claire 

    image

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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited July 2017

    Great!

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  • Beatmon
    Beatmon Member Posts: 1,562
    edited July 2017

    Amazing

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  • Libber
    Libber Member Posts: 86
    edited July 2017

    Claire In Seattle. Good for you! I live in SW Washington. Have always admired those who do this. Now more adimiration and support seeing you do this! Fantastic! You go! Rest up and feel great about doing this

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited July 2017

    Well done Claire and thanks for sharing your photo!

    You are an inspiration to us all

    Time for some well deserved R and R

    Hugs

    The Mods.

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  • Claire_in_Seattle
    Claire_in_Seattle Member Posts: 4,570
    edited July 2018

    12 in a row!!!! This year featured 2 flats and 100 degree temps on Day 2. If there was a hose, I was under it, as hosing down to the dripping wet stage was the only way to avoid heat stroke. The most amazing case of helmet hair ever!!!

    image

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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited July 2018

    Good work!

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  • Meow13
    Meow13 Member Posts: 4,859
    edited July 2018

    Yes good work.

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