I’m trying out the add a poll function on Bike Diva for the first time.
Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva
Posted by: thebikediva | January 5, 2009
Bike Diva Poll
Posted in Bike Diva Poll | Tags: bike diva, biking poll, cycling poll
Posted by: thebikediva | January 5, 2009
Bike Diva Anniversary
Bike Diva is one year old! I started the site back in January, 2008. My first post, Welcome to Bike Diva, was added to the site on January 14, 2008. I can’t believe that an entire year has passed since I first started the site.
I originally started Bike Diva on the Webble You blog network. The owner of that site decided to go back to school, to obtain his PhD. I received a notice late May, early June that he was shuting down the site. I scrambled to get the Bike Diva domain name transferred over to me and searched around for a place to continue with the site. I decided to move Bike Diva over to WordPress.com. Now I am thinking of taking the site one step further, and switching over to a hosted WordPress.org account. But I’m not a computer genius, so I might not make the switch.
2008 was a great year for me, both with my writing projects and my athletic pursuits. In addition to being a Feature Writer for the Suite101 site, I was hired as a contributing writer for the Charity Mile website. 2008 also saw the start of my Charity Fitness Events blog and my Lynn Smythe writing blog. I am currently looking into starting a Run Diva blog, and will let you know once that site goes live.
In March of 2008, my husband and I started racing in a local time trial series. I won two 5th, one 4th and one 3rd place medals, in my age group, in the West Palm Beach race series. I started running in the spring of 2008, and completed my first half marathon on December 7th at Marathon of the Palm Beaches. I joined the SponsorHouse site and have obtained a few sponsorships from companies such as Sock Guy, MotorTabs, Rudy Project and Fluid.
For 2009, I purchased my USAT license so I can start racing in a few duathlons in south Florida. Click on the Bike Diva’s Races page to see a complete listing of events I plan to compete in for 2009. On June 7, my husband and I will be traveling to Tahoe, Nevada to participate in America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride. We are doing the ride as part of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training program. My husband will be co-coaching the team and I will be returning as a 3 time cycle team alumni.
Thank you for visiting the Bike Diva site, I hope you become a regular reader. I look forward to continuing on and improving Bike Diva for 2009. Go to the Product Endorsement page to find links to products that have already been endorsed on Bike Diva and a listing of upcoming product reviews. After writing a review for Action Wipes, the company owner asked I was interested in being sponsored by the company and I said sure thing!
Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva
Posted in Florida News | Tags: bike diva, lynn smythe
Posted by: thebikediva | January 5, 2009
Waffles, Cowbells & Dirt; A Typical Cyclocross Race
My husband and I went down to Oleta River State Park, in north Miami Beach, yesterday morning. Oleta was hosting the 2nd annual Miami Cyclocross race at the park. Although I have recently purchased a cyclocross bike, a Felt Breed single speed, I didn’t feel confident enough to start racing. It took me 3 years from the time I first started riding a road bike until I decided to participate in my first time trial race. So only having a couple of rides on my cyclocross bike, just didn’t give me the skills do race on it. I have to figure out how to do those dismounts and remounts, in public, without falling flat on my face and looking like a complete fool.
Adi Miro showing proper dismount at Miami Cyclocross Race. Adi won 3rd place beginning women.
It’s Waffle Time
At the main pavilion at Oleta, there were homemade Belgian waffles available. A group of us got there right when the waffle station officially opened. Nothing like a hot waffle, smothered in butter and cinnamon sugar to start the day. That sugar rush probably could have gotten me through the beginner women’s race, gel packs, we don’t need no stinking gel packs, we’ve got WAFFLES!!!! A good cyclocross race always has plenty of spectators cheering on the racers and clanging their cowbells to really make some noise. Do you remember that Saturday Night Live skit with Christopher Walken - “We need more cowbell!!!” Everytime I heard a cowbell clanging, I thought of that skit - made me laugh. 
Mud, Sweat & Gears
Most cyclocross races feature a bit of mud along the course, kind of hard to add mud to a south Florida trail - just too dang hot. The water they kept pouring on the mud feature section of the trail drained right into the sandy soil. But there was lots of soft sand, dusty dirt, grass, gravel and paved road to make the race interesting. Riders had to dismount in a couple of portions along the course - there was a double logover at one point, followed by a steep uphill with a sharp right turn. Down by the water, near the pavillion, there was a really tight u-turn after a rocky down hill section. Some of the riders on mountain bikes could ride the downhill part of that section, but didn’t have enough speed after the turn to get back up the hill. I probably would have had a cow if I tried to ride that section, might even have thrown my bike in the water and headed to the pavilion for another WAFFLE! My cyclocross bike is a single speed, so any uphill sections can be a bit of a challenge, unless I have enough speed to float over the top. Where’d my freaking gears go!?! Oh yeah, I didn’t buy any for my cyclocross bike!
Rider remounting cyclocross bike after going through tight u-turn section by the water.
Checking out the Cross Scene
A few of our friends were also down at Oleta to watch the race. My friend Adi, actually raced, and took 3rd place in the beginning women’s division - YEAH!!! But everyone else was just down there to see what the sport of cyclocross was all about. My friend Linda just picked up her brand new Redline Conquest Pro cyclocross bike the day before the race. She certainly wasn’t going to race on a bike she just got. But she is an excellent mountain biker, she should pick up cx riding with no problem.
Men 35-45 and 45 & over on the dual slalom portion of the course.
My husband Rob brought both his mountain bike and his urban bike. He put fatter tires on his urban bike, and rode that around part of the cyclocross course during the warm-up session. He said that bike would work pretty good for a cyclocross race, without his having to shell out $$ for a brand new cyclocross bike. He didn’t even take the mountain bike off the truck, too much bike, too heavy for cross racing. Although we did see a few people racing on their mountain bikes, that isn’t the ideal setup.
Florida Cyclocross Club
Cyclocross riding/racing is fairly new to the south Florida area. This is only the second year that Oleta hosted a cx race. Not that many of our friends have ever seen a cross bike, but once they see what it’s all about they seem pretty curious. I guess now we have to form a south Florida cyclocross bike club. Including myself, now I know at least 3 girls with cross bikes. My husband says I should start a cyclocross bike club, like I actually know anything about cross bikes or how to ride them. So if anyone wants to start the south Florida chapter of the cyclocross club, or a Cool Chicks on Cyclocross bike club, let me know and I’ll be one of your first members! Hey, I might even volunteer to help run the website and/or help put together a newsletter for the club - but don’t quote me on that.
Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva
Posted by: thebikediva | January 2, 2009
Mountain Bike Clinic for Women
Barbara Perigard, of the Florida Women’s Cycling Network, just emailed information on an upcoming advanced skills mountain biking clinic for women. Here are the details from the Florida Women’s Cycling Network website.
Florida Women’s Cycling Network
Swamp and Bent’s Cycling and Fitness present
Advanced Skills Mountain Bike Clinic for Women
Date: Saturday, January 31, 2009
Location: Alafia State Park
Clinic Start: 9 am (Meet 8:45 am)
Deadline for registration, January 28, 2008
This clinic will be instructed by Shelly Allen (UCI World Master’s Champion and Multiple Florida State Champion) and Barbara Shircliffe Perigard (Expert Level Mountain Biker).
Clinic Topics
• Bike fit/bike setup for technical trails (suspension, tire pressure)
• The importance of looking down the trail
• Body position for confidence on difficult trails
• Shifting and gear choice
• Braking skills, smoothness and control: sometimes less is better
• Cornering skills on tight and fast trails
• Descending skills
• Climbing skills, including switchbacks, and slow speed balance
Plus
Comaradie, fun, and gifts from Bent’s Cycling and Fitiness!
Clinic Format:
Topic coverage time will be allocated based on participants’ needs and interests. After an overview of the above topics, participants will complete a structured warm up which will include a ride through Bridges. Following skills demonstration, we will ride several trails based on participant interest, including Rock Garden and Roller-Coaster with on-the-bike instruction to help you tackle the more technical sections. Time permitting, those who want to ride Moonscape and Gatorback will have the opportunity to do so.
This clinic is designed for women who have mountain biking experience and who are comfortable riding intermediate level trails such as Roller Coaster and Bridges. The ideal candidate is a woman who can handle sand, mud, roots, rocks, climbs, and downhills, but has trouble “cleaning” (i.e. completing an entire trail clipped in the pedals) with multiple technical challenges in a row.
Women who have just started riding, and have limited experience, are encouraged to take the “Introduction to Mountain Biking Training Class” offered by Swamp first as they will get much more out of this clinic once they have the basics and some group riding experience. For more information about Swamp and the training classes, go to www.swampclub.org.
The cost of this clinic is $10 for club members and $15 for non-members. We need 6 women to hold a class. Class size is limited to 12 women. Deadline for registration is Janurary 28, 2009..
To register, email Barbara@floridawomencycling.net with your name and contact information (phone number). In your email, we ask that you provide brief answers to the three questions below so we can best meet your needs.
1. What do you hope to get out of this clinic?
2. How would you describe your current skill level (with respect to cornering, drops, climbing etc).
3. List trails at Alafia you have trouble riding?
Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva
Posted by: thebikediva | December 31, 2008
Wicked Fast Sports Nutrition
I recently had an opportunity to try out Energ-Ease and Recover-Ease nutritional supplements by Wicked Fast Sports Nutrition. Energ-Ease is a pre exercise energy tablet, while Recover-Ease is a post exercise recovery tablet.
About Energ-Ease
Energ-Ease helps you to wake up, get going, keep going. Take Energ-Ease before exercise to help you reach new heights in energy, endurance, and stamina. The recommend dose is to take 2 Energ-Ease tablets before exercise. Energ-Ease is available in 60 capsule bottles.
Each Energ-Ease capsule contains:
- 200 mg Cordyceps sinensis (Tibetan mushroom)
- 200 mg Rhodiola rosea (Himalayan root)
- 200 mg Eleutheroccoccus senticosus (Siberian ginseng)
- 50 mg Eurycoma longifolia (Malaysian ginseng)
- 20 mg Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha AKA Indian ginseng)
- Other ingredients include gelatin, rice flour, magnesium stearate and silicon dioxide
Cordyceps is a type of mushroom used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Some of the benefits of using cordyceps include:
- Increases lung function
- Improves athletic performance
- Increases VO2max (oxygen uptake and utilization)
- Reduces lactic acid accumulation
- Boosts energy levels and reduces fatigue
About Recover-Ease
Recover-Ease helps your body to recover faster and more completely from your hardest efforts. Recover-Ease helps to reduce stress hormones, improve immune function, stimulate tissue repair, and manage muscle soreness. The recommended dose of Recover-Ease depends on how intense your workout was. Try taking two capsules after an easy workout, four capsules after a typical to hard workout, and up to eight capsules after a very hard workout or competition. Recover-Ease is available in 120 capsule bottles.
Each Recover-Ease capsule contains:
- 1000 mg L-glutamine
- 900 mg L-leucine
- 300 mg L-valine
- 300 mg L-isoleucine
- 100 mg Papain
- 60 mg Beta-sitosterol
- 50 mg Citrus bioflavonoids
- Other ingredients include gelatin, rice flour, natural vanilla, magnesium stearate and silicon dioxide
About the Company Founder
Shawn Talbott is the Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Wicked Fast Sports Nutrition. Shawn holds a PhD in Nutritional Biochemistry (Rutgers) and MS in Exercise Science (Massachusetts). He trains for iron-distance triathlons in Draper, Utah and uses Energ-Ease and Recover-Ease as part of his normal training regime.
Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva
Posted by: thebikediva | December 29, 2008
Bike Blog Collection
Bike Blog Collection Logo
If you have a bike related blog, consider submitting it to the Bike Blog Collection website. The collection is divided into categories including:
- Bike Advocacy
- Bike builders
- Bike culture
- Bike Humor
- Bike manufacturers
- Bike mechanics
- Bike Shops
- Bike touring
- Miscellaneous
- Mountain bike racers
- Pro Racers
- Road racers
- Singlespeed or fixed
Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva
Posted in Social Networking | Tags: bike blog collection, bike blogs, Blogroll
Posted by: thebikediva | December 27, 2008
Windy Road Bike Ride
ABOVE: Bike Diva on day 1 of the 2008 MS150 ride. Posing on top of Card Sound Bridge, on the way to Key Largo. My apologies to the zMotion team, I don’t have my team kit yet, so you’ll have to live with this picture of me in my Office Depot jersey.
This morning my husband and I woke up at 5:45 AM to get ready for a training ride with the zMotion cycling team. Back in May, my husband and I participated in our very first MS150 ride as part of the Office Depot Foundation team. For 2009 we wanted to hook up with a slightly more aggressive team to help us become better, faster roadies.
We started racing in time trials, the beginning of 2008, so we are good for short, bursts of speed. But right now we are only averaging around 18 MPH on our metric century (62 miles) and century rides (100 miles). We are hoping that training with zMotion is going to make us CRAZY fast, well, at least fast for us. I don’t think the zMotion pro team has to worry about us stealing their jobs.
MS150 Bike Ride
We recently signed up to do the 2009 MS150 ride, which takes place on May 3/4. The MS150 is a 2-day, 150 mile road bike ride which benefits the Multiple Sclerosis Society. We signed up for the 2009 ride as part of the zMotion team. Zimmerman Advertising sponsors the south Florida MS150 ride, their cycle team is zMotion. ZMotion has various training rides on the weekend, once you join the zMotion team, you can go to the zMotion website and choose a training camp to join.
Training Rides
Right now we are riding with Team II as part of Pat’s ride on Saturday mornings. Once we start training for our next Team in Training century ride, we will probably have to switch to Carmen’s training camp which trains on Sunday mornings. Team II averages 20-22 MPH, which means the rides can get up to 26+ MPH at some points. A bit too fast for our blood today. It was really WINDY along A1A so we got dropped shortly after the start of the ride. We only averaged 17.7 MPH today, with a max speed of 28.1. Pat’s Team I averages something insane like 24-32 MPH - are you riding in cars?
Bacon on a Stick
I was REALLY dying towards the end of today’s ride. The only thing that kept me going was the vision of the free breakfast buffet waiting for us at the Cove restaurant, at the conclusion of the ride. I had visions of BACON on a stick the last few miles. Might have been a hallucination, but there was a 5 pound vat of bacon waiting for us back at the restaurant - YUM! Nothing like a crunchy piece of pork to get the legs spinning.
The rest of the breakfast wasn’t bad either - scrambled eggs, bagels, sausage, fresh fruit, yogurt, cereal, coffee, orange juice, and my favorite - TATERS!!!! I’m full now. My Garmin Edge 305 cycle computer says I burned 2800 calories during today’s ride - load my bike bag up with some more of that crispy goodness.
Shout Out
I’d like to give a shout out to a few of my sponsors that helped me out with today’s ride. MotorTabs electrolyte tablets in the water bottles, Action Wipes for the after ride “shower” so we weren’t totally stinking out the restaurant and Sock Guy socks - COOL! I forgot to bring my Fluid recovery drink along with me today - that’s probably why I’m so sore and cranky right now.
I’ve got to run. My dogs look like they are getting ready to pounce on me like a couple of vultures. I took a shower after getting back from the ride, but apparently essence of BACON is still seeping from my pores.
Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva
Posted in Charity Bike Rides
Posted by: thebikediva | December 24, 2008
Bicycle Casino Community Christmas
PRESS RELEASE
The Bicycle Casino Celebrates the Holidays By Bringing Christmas to the Community
BELL GARDENS, Calif., Dec. 23 /PRNewswire/ — The holidays are a special time of the year at the Bicycle Casino, as the staff joins with community charities to spread holiday cheer to children and families all over Southern California. Bringing Christmas to the community makes the season of giving a reality for everyone involved.
Thursday, December 18th, was the day that employees of the Bicycle Casino were able to bring holiday spirit to children who can always use a few extra smiles and expressions of love. The annual trip to the Rancho Los Amigos Rehabilitation Center, now in its 23rd year, is an opportunity to visit children dressed as popular cartoon characters and accompanied by Santa Claus himself. Delivering toys gives much needed cheer to the children marooned in the hospital over the holidays, and visiting with the disabled and paralyzed children who are struggling with the ultimate bad beat in life gives joy to the Bicycle Casino’s team members.
The grand finale of the season’s traditional festivities, the Bike’s annual Community Christmas Party celebration was held on Tuesday, December 23rd at the Bicycle Casino. The Bike’s team members enthusiastically served as volunteers as 2,200 children — literally hundreds more than in previous years — descended upon the Bike for this eagerly anticipated annual event.
Joining together with the Bell Gardens Merchants and Commerce Association, Rio Hondo Boys and Girls Club, HSA and Rotary Club the Bicycle Casino hosted 2,200 children and their families and provided a day of fun and entertainment to celebrate the holidays. Everyone was treated to a boxed lunch with extra goodies, as well as a Christmas gift from and picture with Santa Claus. Kids played all day on carnival rides, loved visiting the petting zoo, rode the pony rides and the passenger train, careened around each of three bounce houses, and competed in dance contests and game booth competitions and the day kept kids laughing all afternoon. Santa and his friends, including Rudolph, Frosty the Snowman, Santa’s elves, clowns, Mickey and Minnie Mouse and Spiderman played host to the crowd.
Helping the community is a year-round goal for the Bicycle Casino, but the holidays are their favorite time to step up their efforts, and the Bike is more than happy to bring Christmas to the children of the City of Bell Gardens. Under the watchful eyes of Tracie Thomas, the Party’s chairperson for more than 15 years, alongside Marketing Director, Kelley O’Hara and Liz Arcas, Executive Assistant to Bike’s owners, more than a 1,000 employees help make these events possible.
“The holidays are a special time of year at the Bicycle Casino,” said Managing Partner, Haig Kelegian. “As we embrace the spirit of giving and see the countless smiles on children’s faces, it reminds us what the holiday season is all about.“
Kelley O’Hara, Director of Marketing at the Bike, added, “For more than 25 years, the Bicycle Casino has taken great pride in helping our Bell Gardens community in any way that we can. Hosting the holiday festivities at the Bicycle Casino, especially knowing that the economy has hit our community hard, allows us to share some holiday joy with the children and families here.” CEO Hashem Minaiy seconds that sentiment. “Our team members are extremely generous with their time and effort during the holiday season. Who they are, and what they stand for really defines us as a company. They give to our customers and they give to our community. These events always bring us together.”
Check out the Bike. They’re open 24 hours a day, each and every day of the year, including the holidays. The Bicycle Casino is located in Los Angeles and is the premiere place for poker in Southern California and the home of table games like Blackjack, Pai Gow, and Three-Card Poker. The Bike is located at 7301 Eastern Avenue, Bell Gardens, CA 90201, just off the 710 freeway and minutes from LAX and downtown Los Angeles.
For more details, visit http://www.thebicyclecasino.com/. Contact: Kelley O’Hara at (562) 806-4646 ext 174 or the Welcome Center at ext. 545. Email: kohara@thebike.com or welcome@thebike.com.
Source: The Bicycle Casino
CONTACT: Kelley O’Hara, Marketing Director of The Bicycle Casino, cell,
+1-949-230-9957, Kohara4@cox.net
Web site: http://www.thebicyclecasino.com/
Posted by: thebikediva | December 23, 2008
Photos From Marathon of the Palm Beaches
On December 8th, I wrote about the first 1/2 marathon I competed in: Ran My First Half Marathon.
The marathon I participated in was the Marathon of the Palm Beaches, which took place on December 7th. My official finish time was 2:34:50.
There were official event photographers placed throughout the course. I went to the photographers website and found quite a few photos of myself. I purchased digital copies of the photos, here’s a few examples.
Running Uphill 2008 Marathon of the Palm Beaches
Shout Out to Camera Man
Crossing Finish Line
Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva
Posted in Marathons, Running Events | Tags: half marathons, marathon of the palm beaches, south florida running events
Posted by: thebikediva | December 23, 2008
EpicQuest Premium Adventure Itineraries
PRESS RELEASE
Adventure Travel Alert: EpicQuest Launches with Premium Adventure Itineraries, Exclusive International Destinations and World-Class Athletes
Jackson Hole, Wyo., Dec. 23 /PRNewswire/ — Today’s launch of EpicQuest marks a new era in international adventure travel. Offering a diverse portfolio of high-intensity travel itineraries across a range of sports categories and destinations, EpicQuest provides a backstage pass to the greatest travel adventures in the world.
EpicQuest has retained a distinguished roster of world-class athletes to guide many of its excursions. Already on board are Olympic skier Tommy Moe, surf legend Laird Hamilton, legendary free-skier Jeremy Nobis, and big mountain snowboarder Jeremy Jones. Renowned female skiers, such as Lyndsey Dyer, have also joined EpicQuest’s team.
EpicQuest’s portfolio offers one-of-a-kind sports itineraries in skiing, snowboarding, surfing, fishing, cycling and safaris to premium destinations such as the Tordrillo Mountains of Alaska; Sun Valley, Idaho; Verbier, Switzerland; Bhutan and Kenya, among others.
“Our personal experience and world-renowned guides give us entree to remote — even untouched — locations that few have ever seen or experienced,” said Craig Pattee, Chief Executive Officer, EpicQuest. “EpicQuest clients receive a backstage pass to the most exciting adventures in the world.”
EpicQuest adventures are custom-tailored, world-class trips that clients experience with renowned athletes and guides. Itineraries address clients’ personal travel goals, adventure appetite, and skill level, while matching their preferences for premium accommodations, amenities and culinary selections.
“We are working with several highly respected brands in the areas of private jet travel, ground transportation and outdoor equipment to ensure that our clients are thoroughly satisfied with their EpicQuest adventure,” said Dirk Collins, Vice President of Marketing and Brand Development, EpicQuest.
EpicQuest was formed through a strategic roll-up of leading domestic and international travel companies. Its European adventures span Switzerland, Italy, and France. In the US, the Company’s first phase of acquisitions focused on snow-based travel companies including Idaho’s Sun Valley Heli Ski Guides and Alaska’s Chugach Powder Guides. The Company will continue its acquisition and partnership-based strategies throughout 2009 to broaden and diversify its evolving international portfolio.
Leveraging its platform of highly renowned snow-based travel companies, EpicQuest is currently offering helicopter skiing and snowboarding adventures to highly coveted terrain in Sun Valley, Idaho and throughout Alaska.
Additionally, through an agreement with Indies Trader, EpicQuest clients can enjoy excursions to little-known surfing areas in the South Pacific — trips that are also ideal for scuba diving, snorkeling and fishing. EpicQuest will enhance its surfing itineraries throughout 2009 through the development of surf-based programs in exotic locales across the globe.
Launching in mid-2009 are EpicQuest African safaris and fishing expeditions in both salt and fresh water, reflecting the Company’s continued rollout and expansion of its one-of-a-kind itineraries. Mountain and road biking adventures around the world, along with rafting and trekking trips in Bhutan, will also be part of EpicQuest’s Spring/Summer 2009 adventure offerings.
Media:
Please take a moment to view a spectacular film about EpicQuest via this link: http://www.epicquest.com/?launchVideo=1
About EpicQuest
Founded in 2008, EpicQuest is the leading provider of once-in-a-lifetime, action-based travel experiences to destinations that few have ever seen or experienced. Renowned athletes, notable mountain guides and other knowledgeable insiders will lead EpicQuest’s evolving and diverse portfolio of world-class itineraries, providing a backstage pass to the world’s greatest travel adventures.
The EpicQuest website (www.epicquest.com) will formally launch in February 2009. Until then, guests can book exclusive helicopter skiing and/or snowboarding adventures in the US and Europe by calling 1-888-983-EPIC.
Source: EpicQuest
CONTACT: Renee Martin, Account Manager, Carolyn Izzo Integrated
Communications, +1-845-358-3920, x21, rmartin@ciicnews.com
Web Site: http://www.epicquest.com/
http://www.epicquest.com/?launchVideo=1
Posted in Press Releases
