How to Use Twitter - Part 1: Tips on How Tweeting on this Social Network and Microblogging Service Can Promote Your Business

(click here to Read Part 2 of "How to Use Twitter for Business.")

What do Barack Obama, Lance Armstrong, the election protesters in Iran and a food delivery truck in L.A. have in common?

They have all harnessed the power of Twitter and so can you! As the world’s fastest growing social media network, Twitter is a tool that can be used by small businesses and sole proprietors just as effectively as by celebrities and politicians.

Beginning and intermediate Twitter users: Learn what you can gain from a free Twitter account, when to Tweet, and tools to maintain it for a few minutes a day. This is an excerpt from my presentation today, August 6, 2009, for the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce's Women in Business Caffeinated Series.



Compiled by:
Karen Kefauver
Freelance journalist & website consultant
Visit my Website:
http://www.karenkefauver.com
Check out my Blog:
http://karenkefauver.blogspot.com
Follow me on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/KarenKefauver

Golden Rule of Twitter:
Don’t talk about yourself and services constantly!
80 percent – Tweet about and for others
20 percent – Tweet about yourself and your business

When to Use Twitter to Promote Your Company

• New product release
• Significant changes to existing product
• Changes in corporate identity - company name or logo
• New web site
• Events (open houses, trade shows, speaking engagements, awards)
• New funding
• Major personnel changes
• Corporate philanthropy (volunteer work, donations)
• Hiring of agencies (public relations, accounting, law firm)
• New partner
• Significant new customer
• Milestones (customers served, years in business)
• Increase in market share or revenue



What Tweeting Can Do for You
• Reach media outlets locally, nationally and online
• Reach investors and prospective partners
• Message thousands of potential customers
• Increase traffic to your web site through search engines
• Increase online sales
• Enhance credibility – be viewed as an expert in your field
• Fast and free form of a press release
• Potential increase in viral marketing
• Reach social media and bloggers

16 Free Twitter Tools to Help You

1. http://www.twitip.com

2. http://search.twitter.com

3. http://hootsuite.com

4. http://tweetdeck.com

5. http://www.tweetlater.com

6. http://twitthat.com

7. http://twitthis.com

8. http://www.hashtags.org

9. http://dossy.org/twitter/karma

10. http://www.twitpic.com

11. http://www.tweetphoto.com

12. http://twitvid.io

13. http://12seconds.tv

14. http://logpost.com

15. http://tinyurl.com

16. http://www.hashtags.org


More about these 16 tools and how to use them

How to Use Twitter
http://www.twitip.com
TwiTip, edited by Darren Rowse (@ProBlogger) from ProBlogger Blog Tips is all about Twitter. Subscribe here to get daily tips about how to use Twitter:
http://feedproxy.google.com/Twitip

Search on Twitter
http://search.twitter.com
Search, filter, and interact with volumes of news and information being transmitted to Twitter every second. Twitter Search helps you filter all the real-time information coursing through the service.

http://twitter.com/invitations/find_on_twitter
Search for people you know who already have a Twitter account.

Manage your Tweets and Social Networks
http://hootsuite.com
Manage multiple Twitter accounts
Personalize the layout of Twitter by organizing the info into tabs and columns
Track statistics and brand monitoring

http://tweetdeck.com
This free download serves as a personal browser for tracking what’s happening now, connecting you with your contacts across Twitter, Facebook and more. Can be used with Iphone. TweetDeck shows you everything you want to see at once, so you can stay organized and up to date.

http://www.tweetlater.com
Schedule tweets and have them appear automatically even when you're not in front of your computer.
Track keywords on Twitter
Set up alerts and track keywords in the public Twitter stream
Automation: Word of Warning!
Send welcome DMs to new followers.
Follow those who follow you.
Unfollow those who unfollow you.

Other Social Networking Tools
http://ping.fm
Between our straight forward posting methods and advanced custom triggers, we make it easy for you to post your messages exactly where you want them to go. Ping supports over 40 social networking sites.

Create a Tweet
http://twitthat.com
Just drag this (Twit That) button, up to your Firefox toolbar. Then share interesting links to Twitter easily.

http://twitthis.com
This is an easy way for people to send Twitter messages about your blog post or website. Visitors to your website click on the TwitThis button to post to Twitter.
Look under Tools to get code to post on your blog.

Manage Followers
http://dossy.org/twitter/karma
A tool to determine who you are following (only) and who you is following you (only) and mutual followers.

Post Photos to Twitter
http://www.twitpic.com
You can post pictures to TwitPic from your phone, our API, or through the site itself. Use your Twitter account to log on.

http://www.tweetphoto.com
Photos are automatically geo-tagged
Filter photos by Twitter or Facebook friends
Automatically publish photos to Facebook

Post Video on Twitter
http://twitvid.io
Share videos on Twitter. Upload from your computer,
email video to u@twitvid.io from your mobile phone
Record straight from your webcamera to your followers

http://12seconds.tv
Santa Cruz County-based company that also provides lnks to Twitter. Article about them: http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/ci_11467159

Tweet from your Phone or Mobile Device
http://logpost.com
You can post your Tweets for free using Logpost, a free Twitter client for mobile phones (Iphone, Blackberry, etc.)

Tiny URL
http://www.tiny.cc
Shorten a long link to a shorter one so that it takes less space n Twitter

Hashtags
http://www.hashtags.org
Search this site to find out what's happening right now on Twitter.


Twitter in the News
New York Times
July 23, 2009
Marketing Small Businesses With Twitter
By Claire Kain Miller
For many businesses with no ad budget, the microblogging service is their sole means of marketing.

Wall Street Journal
March 13, 2009
How to Twitter
The social rules and tips for gaining 'followers'; why opinionated people win
August 3, 2009
For Companies, a Tweet in Time Can Avert PR Mess

Time Magazine
10 Ways Twitter Will Change American Business Aug. 2009



Other Twitter Resources
Social Media Quickstart Guide - 6 Tools You Need
By Kirsti Scott of Scott Design
http://blog.hotdesign.com/2009/06/social-media-quickstart-guide

10 Stunning (And Useful) Stats About Twitter
By Rohit Barghava, Influential Marketing Blog
http://rohitbhargava.typepad.com/weblog/2009/07/10-stunning-and-useful-stats-about-twitter.html

Is Your Social Media Expert Really an Expert?
Ways to tell your Social Media “Expert” Might Not Be An “Expert” After All
Co-written by Peter Shankman and Sarah Evans
http://shankman.com/is-your-social-media-expert-really-an-expert

B.L. Ochman's blog: How to Pick Your Social Media Guru
http://ow.ly/hpFa


Twitter Glossary
Source: Julia Angwin, Wall Street Journal.com's senior technology editor

@: At reply. A public tweet directed at a fellow Twitterer, such as @Barack Obama, that shows up in their Twitter stream.

DM: Direct Message. A private message that appears in a Twitter inbox. You can only direct message people who follow you.

RT: Retweet. A tweet that you like so much that you are resending to your followers. Usually includes credit to original tweeter, such as RT @BarackObama, followed by the tweet.

Whale Icon: The iconic blue whale that pops up when Twitter is down. It appeared frequently in Twitter's first year and a half.


#: Hashtag. Used to designate a topic such as #SanDiegoFire so that people can easily search for tweets on a topic. (It is totally unnecessary, though, because a search on a keyword without the # returns the same results).

Nudge: A feature that lets you send a note to a Twitterer encouraging them to tweet more frequently. You can only nudge people who are tweeting from a mobile phone.




(click here to Read Part 2 of "How to Use Twitter for Business.")

Special Thanks to:

Bill Tysseling
President Annette McGarrity
Project Director
Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce

Kirsti Scott
Owner
Scott Design

Margaret Rosas
Owner
Quiddities

Jennifer Karno and Bonnie Lipscomb
Organizers
Women in Business Caffeinated Series

Jody Lombardo, Judy Johnson, owners, and staff
Culinary Center of Santa Cruz/Fresh Prep Kitchens

Chelsea George
Writer, photographer and videographer

Leslie Kefauver
Mom, for support, encouragement and help with Apple’s Keynote.

The Wharf to Wharf Race - The Biggest Little 6-mile race in Santa Cruz, California

Everyone chooses to run for his and her own reasons and goals.

Wharf to Wharf 2009 - Here are My Photos

I watched the 37th annual Wharf to Wharf Race in July from the comfort of the sidelines. For many years, I was a casual runner at this scenic six-mile classic that attracts 15,000 official racers and many more who tag along. I was deeply inspired watching the runners, walkers and joggers as they formed a mass of energy moving from the Santa Cruz Wharf to the Capitola Wharf. What makes this race really stand out is dozens of live bands along the way - everything from bag pipes, to drummers, to rock bands, to marching bands. I especially enjoyed one of the deejays!

You Go Girl!

If you are in the lead, then you don't have to deal with the crowds! These are the front runners early on.

Thousands of runners in the middle of the pack run over Murray Street Bridge.

Fortunately, it was an overcast morning so runners could stay cool.

The community spirit of the race makes it a joy to watch or participate.

I always find some of my favorite folks are at the end of the "race."

Harvey Bear Mountain Bike Race Report - The 22 Hottest Miles Ever!

"It felt like my head was in a furnace," Tracy Moyle said cheerfully during our drive home yesterday from the hottest race we had ever competed in - Harvey Bear Ranch Mountain Bike Race in Morgan Hill, California.

"Uh-huh," I replied, zombie-like, in the passenger seat, suffering from the effects of racing for 2.50 hours under the blazing sun. I was grateful Tracy was driving because I was nauseous and had a big headache moving in like a tornado.

Speaking of turbulent weather, my friend Hank Coffin, who lives in smokin' hot Sacramento, checked on the temperatures yesterday in Santa Clara County where I was racing and reported: "Looks like it could have been approaching 95 degrees. That's nothin'!"

I feel certain it was at least 100 degrees by the time I crossed the finish line, ecstatic to find some shade and drench myself in water.

Miraculously, Tracy and I returned to my house in Santa Cruz around 1 p.m. Sunday without my having to use my new race goodie bag as a barf bag! But it took me hours to recover, hydrate and assess the race, the Harvey Bear Ranch Mountain Bike Race, which was a brand new event put on by th South Valley Bike and Run Club.

That's me on the podium, at right, still wearing my orange helmet for shade. I'm holding the hand of Julianna Perry, my friend on Team Santa Cruz, who is so speedy that she easily won the women's sport category title and was faster than quite a few sport guys, too.

Here are my thoughts on the Harvey Bear Ranch Mountain Bike Race, which I shared with the race director, who was wonderfully open and welcoming of feedback! There is another race at the same venue coming up! 8/2/2009: Mid Summer Mountain Bike Race at Harvey Bear.

The Good Stuff
• The volunteers at the aid stations were nice.
• Registration folks were friendly.
• Communication pre-race via email was superb.
• I felt like a celebrity out there with photographers on the course
• Very punctual delivery of race results - excellent. Though you are still missing listing my friend in the women's sport class. (*She has since been added).

Room for Improvement
• The course was fairly well marked - there was one major spot that needed clarification - in fact, a bunch of us went the wrong way until a local guy caught us in the nick of time to correct us. When you are out there, in my case, overheated and solo on the course, there should be a "wrong way" at every intersection - and there were two more spots, other than the one I just mentioned, where I seriously was unsure which way to go. Luck prevailed.
• The awards ceremony, (in which I got second in my women sport age 30-39.)
The announcer called up the winner in my category announcing her as the SOLE competitor in her age group, which was incorrect. (There were 3 of us in women sport 30-39). The third place winner in our group was overlooked altogether. I still enjoyed my moment on the podium, standing next to my friend and teammate, Julianna (see photo).

Harvey Bear Ranch Race Overview:
July 19th, 2009 - race begins at 9:00 a.m.
Classes for Beginner, Sport, and Expert.
10-23 miles depending on class
Space is limited to the first 100 riders
On site registration from 7:00 AM to 8:30 AM day of event if spots are available.
This will be a fun, challenging race at Harvey Bear Park. This is the first time a race has been allowed there so please respect the grounds if you would like to see more races in the area.
Harvey Bear is a Santa Clara County Park & Rec Facility

Course Notes:
The course includes several big hills over fire roads. The hills are challenging. There is a mix of single track in. Beginner and sport will run 10 miles and expert 23 miles. Total elevation gain will be 2000 ft and 3000 ft.

Back in the Saddle - Karen's cross country mountain bike comeback is Sunday, July 19!

I plan to look happy and content while sweating uphill during my race, the way I look in this photo from a Wilder Ranch mountain bike ride. Photo credit: Bird Emrick.

Today, I ramped up the training for my upcoming cross-country mountain bike race with a top-secret nutritional tool for high-performance. I can't tell you exactly how many Pepperidge Farm Brussels Mint cookies I consumed because that calorie count is a trademarked secret. This data will be revealed with the publication of my new book, "How Cookies Fuel Your Inner Athlete."

The new Super Food of elite athletes!

For now, I am cutting back on my workouts ("tapering") and eating my secret race foods (cookies) for my big comeback to mountain bike racing this Sunday, July 19, 2009, at the NEW EVENT: the Harvey Bear Ranch Mountain Bike Race in Santa Clara County, California.

Details:

July 19th, 2009 - race begins at 9:00 a.m.
Race classes for Beginner, Sport, and Expert.
10-23 miles depending on class
Fun, challenging course for every age.
Space is limited to the first 100 riders!
Onsite registration from 7:00 AM to 8:30 AM day of event if spots are available.

This will be a fun, challenging race at Harvey Bear Park and the first time a race has been allowed there at this Santa Clara County Park & Rec Facility. This 4,595-acre park - featuring a 635-acre lake, provides camping and boat launch facilities, showers, 19 miles of horse, bicycle and hiking trails. It is located in the Diablo Range east of the City of Gilroy.

Course Notes:
The course includes several big hills over fire roads. The hills are challenging. There is a mix of single track. Beginner and sport will run 10 miles and expert 23 miles. Total elevation gain will be 2000 ft and 3000 ft.

Here's what the race blog from organizers South Valley Bike and Run Club said about the Harvey Bear race this weekend:

"It's a challenging place for beginners because it has two abrupt climbs, and the first one is as soon as the race starts. Look at it like a tough training day! After 2 miles of up hill you get to go down. The only real tough area after that is San Ysidro, which I'm sure many people will walk portions. There will be an aid station at the top to refill your bottles. We will also have a spare first aid kit up there.

Make sure you carry enough fluids, even though we are starting early it could get warm."

Good luck and thanks,

Greg Richards

Santa Cruz Cyclist sets off on 4,000-mile cross country bike tour - and I joined him - for 15 miles!

What inspired Bart Coddington, 65, to ride his fully loaded bicycle across the U.S. from his hometown of Santa Cruz, California, to his 47th high school reunion in Rye, New York?

I aim to answer that question and share Bart's passion for bicycling in two blog posts for the Santa Cruz Sentinel. I was so impressed with his endeavor that I got up at 6 a.m. today to see him off on his ride. (Many of you know that is not my shining hour). Now the rest is up to Bart!

To find out more, visit my cycling blog, Spin City: http://www.santacruzlive.com/blogs/outside/

Bart Coddington, the president of the Santa Cruz County Cycling Club, sets off with four loaded bike bags and three friends on Wednesday, July 1. He is pictured here, on Highway 1, near Davenport, about 19 miles into the 4,000-mile ride. Though one friend will ride with him for the first days, it is a solo journey.
Photo Credit: Karen Kefauver

My Big Adventure: I am on the move, but not in between counties!

Sometimes the biggest adventures happen in small spaces, not faraway places. Change and growth take a different form for me when I am staying put in one place instead of exploring new ones. At the moment, I am enjoying settling down, again, in Santa Cruz, California, where I have lived for 16 years. I moved out here from my native Washington, D.C. I landed here, by chance, when I was 23, with just a backpack, and have stayed thru my 20s and 30s - soon I will be 40! During the past 13 months, I have moved seven times; on June 1, I found a home I plan to stay in for a while.

This is how my latest adventure looks: going inward, reflecting and writing! Staying put is a different kind of trip!

Friends and colleagues remain eager to hear about my travels to Brazil and Peru (August-September '08) as well as rafting in Idaho and road biking in Montana (last summer). I have photos to share and stories to tell from those amazing experiences. Now that I am settled, I will be able to make that happen, at last!

Please stay tuned to my blog!

Santa Cruz County Cycling Team's Big Night Out and Photo Op!

I am a member of Team Santa Cruz, the racing component of the Santa Cruz County Cycling Club. I have not been active in club meetings or volunteering for a while (I blame traveling and moving six times within the past year). So it was nice to reconnect with friends and meet new teammates tonight at Olitas restaurant at the Santa Cruz Wharf. Photos first, then tacos and beer. Below are a few photos I snapped while we were setting up for the Grand Photo Shoot by Steve (his camera had a wide angle lens!) The next big club/team event is the annual road ride called the Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge. - Karen

Karen, Rita (wearing her 24-hour team relay 1st place medal) and Winona also race together as the Go Go Go Girls!

Mike Evans, center smirks at the camera.

I attempted to get everyone into a disco pose! It worked - sort of.

To see all 13 photos I took visit this Picasa album.

Tour d' Afrique bicycling video by filmmaker and friend Brian Vernor

"Four months on a bicycle between Cairo, Egypt and Cape Town South Africa is not your typical African safari. En route with the Tour d' Afrique, the world's longest bicycle race and expedition, the Zenga Bros. (CAN) and Brian Vernor (USA) make light of this physically daunting trip by sharing a universal love of the bicycle with Africa's roadside mechanics, sporting racers, and innumerable curious strangers." — Brian Vernor's website

I met Brian Vernor years ago here in his native Santa Cruz, California, through cyclocross bicycle racing. Since then, I have watched his filmmaking career take off! His world travels and passion for biking and filming inspired his latest project which came from his riding Tour d' Afrique, which traveled from Cairo to Capetown!

Check it out - this sneak peak video clocks in at just under 3 minutes and is inspirational with lively music and unique view of Africa by two wheels. Brian emailed:
"Friends and Family, I've been anxiously awaiting the day I could send you my
new film (trailer) called "Where Are You Go."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NpubbAzKSY

Photo Credit: Brian Vernor

I recently saw Brian's mom, Santa Cruz County Cycling Club member and dedicated volunteer Lilly Ann Popken, last weekend, when I was riding the 65-mile road bike course at Strawberry Fields Forever ride - with my cousins, Stephanie and Vincent, who live in Africa - Windhoek, Namibia. More on that ride soon!

From Brian's Website

Where Are You Go World Premier: Bicycle Film Festival 2009. NYC. June 17-21.

Traveling more than 70 miles per day, 50 racers and expedition riders experienced the boundless Nubian desert of Sudan, the great majesty of Victoria Falls, and finally the cold rush of the Atlantic Ocean. Where Are You Go captures the 7,000 mile expedition as a constant adventure full of playfulness and mysterious beauty, and is a testament to the endurance of human curiosity.

Karen's Race Report on MudFest 2009: aka Coolest 24-Hour Mountain Bike Race in Northern California, May 2-3

Ideal Race Conditions? You decide:
* Pounding rain, nearly non-stop, for 3 days solid while we raced mountain bikes day and night
* Getting drenched setting up and breaking down camp
* Slipping and sliding through puddles to soggy tents and portapotties
* Pedaling through mud thick as peanut butter, clay-like slop clogging our gears, sticking to our bike frames, clothes and faces
* Conditions so extreme that the 24-hour mountain bike race was cut short by organizers - ending at 10 a.m. instead of noon on Sunday. Whew!
* 18 of us plus two big dogs huddled under two pop-up tents with plastic walls and roof threatening to cave in due to water weight
* A chaotic jumble of muddy bikes, wet shoes, cooking gear, trash and chairs squished around us
* Did I mention no showers were available onsite?

Scroll down for my friend's photo links.
My pictures are now posted here:
http://www.pbase.com/karenkefauver/coolest_24_hours_2009

Though nearly blinded by mud spattering my contact lenses, I am still smiling because I actually like mud! This photo was snapped after I completed one lap of the looping course, which was about 12 miles long with 1700-feet of climbing. (A lot of uphill!)
Photo credit: Dan Abernethy.

Go Go Go Girls Spirit x 2 Prevailed

Despite the wicked weather and grueling physical conditions of the race, our Girl Power spirit shined beneath the dark skies: wonderful costumes, camp decorations and yummy food of the Go Go Go Girls brightened our moods.

Who were the 18 people at our campsite?
For starters, we fielded two teams, 4-women each: 8 gals
Go Go Go Girls
Karen, Henri, Tracy and Jen
Go Go Go Girlz
Rita, Kate, Lindsey and Jill

Results:
* Victory! We came in first and second place in our division! Girlz won! And yes, there were only two teams in our division!

In Cleaner Times
My 3 teammates for the Coolest 24 are pictured here with me at New Year's Party, 2009.
From left: Jen Lucia of Santa Cruz, Henri Stern of Pacific Grove, (Winona Hubbard of Santa Cruz; the founder of the Go Go Go Girls team did not race due to injury), me and Tracy Moyle of Monterey.

Other Racers at our Camp
We were also lucky to share camp with 24-hour soloist rider Melanie Dominguez, as well as Erik Thunstrom, 8-hour soloist, and his son, Derek Thunstrom, all of Santa Cruz.

Support Crew from Heaven
What really kept us racers going was the amazing support crew of Dan Abernethy of Santa Cruz and Pat Schott. I had invited them and thankfully, they traveled to the race solely to support us women! Pat drove 12 hours from Ketchum, Idaho, for the weekend. We also had many helping hands from Alex, (Winona's hubby who raced 8-hour solo); Tom, (Henri's hubby) and Erik (raced 8 hour solo) and Derek. Lindsey's friend Kate also pitched in.

Coolest Support Crew: Dan Abernethy, left, of Santa Cruz, and Pat Schott, right, in red, of Ketchum, Idaho, came solely as support for the G-Girls. Thanks, guys! Erik, center, also helped out when he was not busy winning his 8-hour solo race divsion - and a prize of a track bike!
Photo Credit: Karen Kefauver.

As I write this on Tuesday, I am still recovering from the weekend here in Sacramento at my friend Hank's house in Citrus Heights. Luckily, my job is portable and Hank is very generous.

The view from the back after my first lap of the race - I rode just two laps total (24 very hilly miles in the mud was plenty!) Photo credit: Dan Abernethy.

Keep reading for PHOTO LINKS from friends, below.

About the G Girls
For the past two years, I have been part of a women's mountain bike relay race called Go Go Go Girls, which was founded by my friend Winona, a talented cyclist with great enthusiasm and charisma. We have competed at 24 Hours of Adrenalin at Laguna Seca in Monterey, California, (about an hour south of Santa Cruz). Both years ('07 and '08), our team of 5 women placed third in our relay division (team members varied year to year). This spring, we decided to try a new event in Northern California - The Coolest 24-Hour Race, which raises funds for cancer. We doubled our forces by forming two teams, then caravaned 4 hours north to a mountain town called, Cool, which is east of Sacramento. What a wild adventure it turned out to be!

COMING SOON: The scoop on my 24-mile race report (2 laps), lost car key chaos and other major mishaps - on my next blog post!

Henrietta is still beaming after her first lap in the mud at the Cool Race.

Photo Credit: Karen Kefauver.

Photo links from Coolest 24 Hour Race:
1. Check out these Extreme Mud photos!
Santa Cruz friends Winona took these pictures and her husband, Alex who raced solo at the 8-hour event, posted them on Picasa.

2. Alex, a trail pal from the Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz, pointed out the thread of comments about the Cool race on the MTBR forum. He raced the 8-hour solo event.

3. My pics: http://www.pbase.com/karenkefauver/coolest_24_hours_2009

Alex Anderson is barely recognizable after his first lap!

Favorite Quotes about the Race
I read through the comments on the MTBR website forum and excerpted my favorite quotes:

"Suffer-fest."
"The people who did race are bad-asses."
"Absolute mudfest."
"Hard-core."
"My bike is not talking to me right now."
"It was the worst of times and the best of times," Keith Bontrager, Santa Cruz resident and mountain bike legend
"Amen to single speeds and liquor."
"What. A. Mess."
"I did one lap then changed my strategy to drink enough not to be able to do another lap."

And finally:

"Holy cow! What a mess, we all have the swine flu for sure now. I only did 2 laps and was so cold and miserable, glasses were useless - eyes were destroyed and bike was making very odd sounds. Decided to pull the plug and get a beer. Best decision of my life."

Dirt Series by Rocky Mountain Bikes - Day 2 report of camp April 25-26, 2009

A handful of stellar coaches from this weekend's Dirt Series camp for women mountain bikers stood still for a moment for this photo on Saturday morning at The Bicycle Trip. Photo credit: Karen Kefauver.

NEW PHOTO LINK: Finally, all photos posted! (May 9, 2009)
http://picasaweb.google.com/karen.kefauver/DirtSeriesByRockyMountainBikesSantaCruzCampByKarenKefauver?feat=directlink


My arms and back are so sore today (Monday) that I can barely type, but this incredible soreness is worth it. After 2 full days of mountain bike skills clinic this past weekend with the Dirt Series presented by Rocky Mountain Bikes, I achieved my primary goal - learning key skills to lift my front wheel over logs and other obstacles on the trail. I also achieved my secondary goal: to consume a record number of chocolate S'more Luna bars... Next year, I will try to tackle bunny hops and a bigger "teeter totter."

Evan, left, of The Bicycle Trip was one of the Santa Cruz shop's mechanics who led skills sessions on Saturday night during the 2-day Dirt Camp. Here he gives Gnat a hand. Photo credit: Karen Kefauver.

I finished the all-women camp Sunday evening at 6 p.m. after a group ride at Soquel Demonstration Forest (AKA "Demo.") Our posse of 6 women was led by super-talented coach Kathy Pruitt: Current downhill World Cup competitor and US National Champion, ten-time US National Team member, former Junior World Champion and pro women’s motocross racer, living in Santa Cruz, CA. The 24-hour mountain bike goddess Melanie Dominguez of Santa Cruz volunteered to be our sweep which was helpful because she knows the trails so well.

Links from this past weekend's Dirt Series in Santa Cruz, California:
1. PHOTOS of Saturday Clinic by Richard Masoner of Cyclicious:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bike/sets/72157617234146101/
2. PHOTOS by Chris Matthews of Specialized at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrismatthews/sets/72157617406484038/
3. Post your own pics:
Dirt Series Photos - post your pics!

My pre- clinic blog post for the Santa Cruz Sentinel
http://www.santacruzlive.com/blogs/outside.

* I will post my photos of this clinic tomorrow at my photo gallery! and blog here that they're up.

Clinic time at The Bicycle Trip Saturday night! Nate tells us to keep the chain clean and check the tires and the brakes before each ride. Photo credit: Karen Kefauver

Dirt Series in Santa Cruz: Mountain Bike Skills Clinic for Women

Candace Shadley, left, founded the Dirt Series clinics. In 9 years, 5,000 students have taken the clinics! Jill Kintner, Olympic bronze medalist in BMX in Beijing at 2008, helped teach the series in Santa Cruz.

Today I was one of 53 women participating in the Dirt Series by Rocky Mountain Bikes, a clinic put on by women for women to improve mountain bike skills! The two-day workshop is hosted locally by The Bicycle Trip and is taught by an amazing team of talented coaches, most of whom are based in British Columbia, Canada. The series is now in its 9th year!! and travels to different locations in the U.S. and Canada through early September.

NOTE: Special thanks to Richard Masoner of Santa Cruz, for taking these 2 great photos in this blog entry of me (and others) at the clinic today. Check out his website: Cyclicious - Bicycle News and Views at http://www.cyclelicio.us

This is the second year I have done the camp. I had such a fantastic experience in 2008 at the Santa Cruz, that I signed up online right when registration opened - and good thing, because it sold out in 3 days flat. The waiting list was so long that another day was added - on Tuesday (space still available).

There is still space left in the one-day version of the clinic Tuesday, April 28, in Santa Cruz: I blogged out this too at: http://www.santacruzlive.com/blogs/outside.

Today's Dirt Series clinic highlights:

- Meeting at the Bicycle Trip in the morning to register, eat yummy breakfast treats and learn Who's Who of our amazing coaches!

- Practicing how to lift my front tire over logs on the trail! "Front Wheel Lift" skills clinic rocked!

- After morning skills clinics - also including cornering, straight line riding (rode a small teeter-totter!) and descending/braking, we ate lunch at Harbor High - yum! Special thanks to Happy Valley Conference Center in Santa Cruz for providing our lunches!

- In the afternoon, a group of 6 of us plus 2 coaches hit the trails at DeLaveaga Park to put some of our new skills to the test!

Dirt Series in Santa Cruz: Mountain Bike Skills Clinic for Women
Originally uploaded by richardmasoner

- The evening wrapped up back at The Bicycle Trip where we could attend different clinics. I went to Bike Maintenance Clinic taught by Nate and vow to do a better job lubing and cleaning my bike chain!

Tomorrow is the second and final day of the clinic - same structure - skills clinics in the morning, followed by a group ride in the afternoon. Tomorrow, headed to Soquel Demonstration Forest!

7 Tips on how to face challenges from Adventure racer, author & triathlon coach Terri Schneider

Triathlon Revolution: Training, Technique and Inspiration is Terri's latest book. Forward by Scott Tinley. For novice, experienced or aspiring triathletes, this is the definitive manual for a multi-sport lifestyle. Get inspired!

How to do Amazing Things!
Tips from Terri Schneider

Excerpted from her talk at Fleet Feet Sports in Aptos, California on Tuesday, April 21, 2009.

From 1997 to 2003, I raced triathlons - swim-bike-run events. I mostly competed in Olympic distance and some sprints, about 4 to 5 a year for 7 seasons. For my first triathlon and many years after that, I trained in group clinics with Terri Schneider. She has been and continues to be a big inspiration for me as a coach, athlete, author and friend!

1. Realize that being an amazing human is not a glamorous endeavor!
Toil, logistics and sweat are required to get to the top. Yes, the path is rewarding!

2. Choose something you are really intrigued with or have a passion towards.
The fuel for your endeavor is a gut feeling of excitement to get to the starting line to take on the endeavor. Many days your passion will be challenged: Sometimes, you won't want to get up at 5 a.m. to train!

3. Choose something because it calls YOU - not your friends, your training partners, etc.

4. Your plan will change! Create a plan and know it will change in all regards: gear, logistics, and time lines. Your goals will change for the event.

5. Get assistance to execute your plan! Enlist mentors, coaches and read books — knowledge is power.

6. Check in weekly with your plan. It's a dynamic plan. Resolve to revisit your goals by planning time do that on your calendar.

7. Realize you can never know the outcome of what you are taking on. I watch many people spend enormous time and energy trying to figure out what will happen try to spend your energy on your endeavors instead of predictions!

Fueling the fire for adventure travel with relaxing yoga retreat at Mount Madonna

Just when you thought that I'm a non-stop, globe-trotting adventure travel journalist, you get to glimpse this other side of me, pictured below — Extreme Rest and Relaxation!

Karen blissed out on a chilly spring afternoon at Mount Madonna Center in Watsonville, California. I took the opportunity to do some serious Rest and Relaxation - in the photo, I am positioned in a "restorative reading" pose!
Photo credit: Karen Cooper, new friend from the weekend and fellow cyclist!

I returned for a second year to an annual yoga retreat for women that is hosted by two of my favorite yoga teachers: Laurie Broderick Burr (based in Santa Cruz) and Kelly Blaser (Bay Area). I have known each of them for 10+ plus years and they have been very influential in the yoga practice which I started in 1995. I try to practice daily asanas by attending classes at several local studios - Pacific Cultural Center's Ashtanga Yoga Institute and Yoga Center Santa Cruz.

The women's yoga retreat April 10-12, 2009, started Friday afternoon and stretched into Sunday (Easter Sunday). Our group of 23 women and 2 instructors bonded over several yoga classes a day (full disclosure: I slept through early morning sessions!) a fabulous hot tub, delicious vegetarian meals and planning for our next getaways.

Laurie and Kelly will host a co-ed retreat at Mount Madonna in the fall! Check out their websites for details or to join their mailing lists.

COMING UP NEXT - BIKING!
The yoga retreat helped me gear up for the following 3 weekends:

April 16-19
Sea Otter Classic, including mt. bike race on Saturday, April 19. - NEXT BLOG ON THIS!

April 25-26
Women's mountain bike clinic all day Saturday and Sunday with the Dirt Series.

May 1-3
Coolest 24 Hour Mountain Bike Race - I am on a women's relay with the Go Go Go Girls Team!
Race happens in Cool, California (east of Sacramento!)

Happy Trails!

Henri (left) greets Karen after her race finish Saturday at Sea Otter Classic. Karen and Henri will be on the same women's relay team at Coolest 24 Hours Race coming up first weekend of May. Photo Credit: Winona Hubbard

Canadian Trials Pro Ryan Leech performs at Sea Otter Classic, April 16-19

I have a crush on Ryan Leech! One of the world's top "trials" riders, the British Columbia-based cyclist balances on insanely small surfaces on his bike tires and does jumps on a variety of obstacles, many high off the ground. A Norco Factory Team member, Ryan has performed for the Cirque du Soleil, the Van's Warped Tour, and many outdoor and mountain bike shows.

Ryan doing his thing as a trials rider at Sea Otter Classic 2008.

Year after year, when I watch him in person at the Sea Otter Classic or in his many films, the Canadian cycling specialist wows me with both his bicycle stunts (trials riding) and his mission to inspire and educate kids. There are many talented riders in all cycling disciplines, but few I have met during my career as a cycling/adventure journalist are as articulate and passionate as Ryan about kids. At Sea Otter he chats easily with the audience on a wireless microphone while doing his amazing stunts.

Ryan said about Sea Otter: "I like to push my show riding to leave the audience feeling psyched to go out and ride bikes, whatever style that may be." (Source: Sea Otter press release).

He already has a wife named "Caryn," so I will just go and watch him again at Sea Otter Classic. See you there!
The 19th Annual Sea Otter Classic, April 16-19, 2009 happens at the Laguna Seca Recreation Area, Monterey, Calif. The four-day "Celebration of Sport" is considered the world's largest cycling festival, hosting nearly 10,000 professional and amateur athletes and 50,000 fans.

Biking on the Brain: 3 events I signed up for + Bay Area Mt Bike clinics by SLaB

Karen feels the love from the furry mascot at Sea Otter Classic 2008 in Monterey's Laguna Seca Recreation Area.

Lots of fun bike events coming up fast! Here are 3 I am doing in 2009!

My next blog post will be about the Women's Dirt Series! April 25-26 in Santa Cruz (and other dates/locations in U.S. and Canada).

1. Thursday, - Sunday, April 16-19, 2009
Sea Otter Classic is just around the corner. For the first time in many years, I registered to race the women's cross country event! (Saturday at 8:30 a.m.). Wish me luck. Or better yet, encourage me to get off the computer and onto the trails more! I have been riding on Saturdays with Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz MBOSC at Wilder Ranch/UC Santa Cruz and some Tuesday nights with Mike Evans' crew.

2. Sunday, May 17
Strawberry Fields Forever Road Ride
This is a fantastic event - celebrating its 20th year this summer! I have registered to ride the 65 mile course - there are also 25 and 100 mile options. It will sell out fast - it does every year! Hosted by the Cyclists Cultural Exchange of Santa Cruz. $40 well worth it.

3. Saturday and Sunday, May 2-3
Coolest 24 Hours Race (Mountain bike)
I average one 24-hour mountain bike race a year. Always as a women's relay, no racing solo for me, thank you! The past two years - or is it 3 now? I have been a member of the Go Go Go Girls team and we have attended 24 Hours of Adrenalin race in Monterey, south of Santa Cruz an hour. We are changing it up this year and racing at Cool, which is near Sacramento in Northern California. I have attended the race before and it's a great event - 700 racers max, profits go to cancer research.

A handful of the Go Go Go Girls Team - Henri, Winona (team founder), Rita and I - rode together at Wilder Ranch State Park.

Check out SLaB's Women's and Coed Bike Clinics - For riders + those who'd like to start riding!
Beverly Garrity of Cupertino, California, is the women behind SLaB (Ride Strong Light and Beautiful!)

STRONG, LIGHT and BEAUTIFUL has exciting new clinics and events on the calendar!
No charge to be a Strong, Light and Beautiful rider: Attend an event or purchase a jersey and/or merchandise, ride with us, and you are SLaB! (Website to reflect this by end of March).

CO-ED!
There are men out there who haven't been riding in years! Pass along these dates to those guys you know that are ready to get active on the trails, or haven't felt stable maybe on their road bikes.

GROUP RIDES
We will continue to offer group rides as the daylight increases. We plan to join other clubs group rides and events and trail volunteer work throughout 2009.

APRIL 11
Skills Clinic and Ride - CUPERTINO, CA
Beginner, Beginner-Intermediate and Intermediate!
Go thru basic skills and mechanical tips for your bike - 9-11a.m. $60
Then ride up the fire road to access Freemont Older's trails for on the trail assistance and testing out our new skills!
11:30-1:30pm. Enervit bars and energy drinks provided. Bring snack and required to have water bottle or hydration system for ride.
If you need a bike or want to try a full suspension or hard-tail GT, 3 mediums available first come first serve.
County Parking Fee not included.

MAY 16
Super Beginner/Beginner clinic - CUPERTINO, CA - 9 a.m.-12:30. $50 pp
Haven't ridden in years? Want more stability on your road or hybrid or mtn. bike?
Learn balance, weight distribution, cornering, braking techniques to encourage you
go ride more challenging trails and roads.
Bikes available to use - limited sizes and qty.
County Parking Fee not included.

JUNE 13-14 (price will be group rates, a great deal! Weekend of a lot of fun!)
2 nights 2 days in DOWNIEVILLE, CA
Beg-Intermediate riders
Shuttles with expert riders to join us on rides. They will assist, coach and/or guide us for an enjoyable descent!
Yuba Expeditions Bike Shop http://yubaexpeditions.com/
Carriage House www.downievillecarriagehouse.com

"I am Strong, Light and Beautiful while riding my bike"

Here's Bev taking a sandy, downhill turn during a clinic she organized that was taught by Olympian Jill Kintnter at Sea Otter Classic 2008.

Africa Family Update from Namibia: Desert Dash and Bicycling Empowerment Network (BEN)

I have not been to Africa, yet!

Someday soon, I hope to visit my cousin, Stephanie Posner, who lives in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, with her husband, Vincent Shaw. Located directly north of South Africa on the Atlantic coast, Namibia is famous for its colorful sand dunes and magnificent desert flowers.

Immense sand dune. Photo from Namibian Tourism Board.

Both Stephanie and Vincent are avid bicyclists - hitting the road for recreational rides and races when they are not working hard in the country's battle against HIV/AIDS. Stephanie is Chief of Party for PACT, which manages grants from USAID to Namibian non-governmental organizations involved in the programs dealing with HIV/AIDS. Vincent is finishing his doctorate in Medical Informatics plus consulting in Nigeria, Zambia, and South Africa.

They both enjoyed (survived) the challenge of the endurance mountain bike race, the Desert Dash in Namibia. The relay of 340-km, 24-hour event bills itself as a "fight between human and nature, body and mind. It's a wild beast that lures you, challenges you and allows only a few to stay on its back." If this tempts you, the 5th annual Desert Dash happens December 18-19, 2009 and reg opens in August.

Desert Dash photo from their website.

Stephanie's brother, Alexander, visited Namibia from May to September, 2008. During his four and a half months there, he lived with Stephanie and Vincent while he volunteered at the Bicycling Empowerment Network (BEN). The organization rehabilitates donated bicycles from abroad for low cost transportation and for bicycle-powered ambulances in Namibian villages.

According to their website their mission statement is:

MISSION STATEMENT
BEN Namibia aims to empower disadvantaged Namibians through provision of sustainable transport and bicycle-related income generation opportunities.

VISION
To be a recognized leader on bicycles for development in Namibia.

OBJECTIVES

1. Provision of affordable and sustainable transport to disadvantaged people.
2. Provision of bicycle-related sustainable income generation opportunities.
3. Promotion cycling as a healthy, affordable, sustainable and dignified means of transport.
4. Advocacy for improved sustainable transport infrastructure in Windhoek.
5. Promotion of knowledge sharing and networking amongst the global ‘bicycles for development’ movement, with an emphasis on sub-Saharan Africa.
   

BEN in Namibia has a sister organization in Cape Town, South Africa - also called Bicycling Empowerment Network.

Red marker shows Windhoek, Namibia in Africa. Source: Google Maps.

THE MISSION OF BEN in South Africa, according to their website, is poverty alleviation through the promotion of the use of the bicycle in all of its forms, in order to:
• enhance low-cost non-motorised transport
• improve health by linking exercise and mobility.

In collaboration with local and international partners, BEN facilitates:
• the transportation of bicycles from Europe, the Americas and Asia to Southern Africa
• the establishment of bicycle workshop projects
• distribution of these bicycles to strategically selected groups of recipients
• the planning and introduction of bicycle user paths and integrated linking networks.

In the afternoons, Alex volunteered by teaching and mentoring of 7 and 8 year old children at Catholic Action Agency (CAA); these children had been traumatized by loss of parents to HIV/AIDS and loved Alex’s warmth.

I am proud of my family's work in Africa! Special thanks to my uncle, Larry Posner, who provided the well-written information for this update! Larry and Corinna live in Washington, D.C.

While I intend to visit my cousin in Africa, a closer-to-home goal is to see Stephanie's other brother, Nico Posner, who lives in the Bay Area with his wife, Laurie Posner and their two beautiful girls!

"Bicycling for Women" - Gale Bernhardt's book good for the gals!

SPECIAL FOR THE LADIES
Source: From Adventure Cycling's Bike Bits Vol. 11, No. 6, March 18, 2009

"Bicycling for Women" is a new book out from VeloPress written by Gale Bernhardt. The title covers a broad range of topics that will be of interest to female riders, whether they're neophytes,
road-proven veterans, or somewhere in between.

"There are a lot of pieces to women's cycling in addition to getting the right bike fit," writes reviewer Stephanie Chase in the Daily Peloton. "Bernhardt's interactive book covers a wide scope: women's bodies, their bikes, and their biology. Knowledge is power and Bernhardt packs enough information on bike fit, training programs, heart rate zones, and nutrition to propel a casual cyclist to the next level."

Read the full review here.

Gale Bernhardt

BIO: Gale Bernhardt has coached and instructed athletes since 1974, and was selected to be the USA Triathlon team coach at the 2004 Olympic Games. An elite-certified USA Cycling Level I Coach, she has also served as the Chairperson of the USA Triathlon National Coaching Committee for five years. Bernhardt has traveled the world as a USA Triathlon World Cup coach. Bernhardt is the best-selling author of Training Plans for Multisport Athletes, Triathlon Training Basics, and Workouts in a Binder(r): Swim Workouts for Triathletes.

Bicycling for Women by Gale Bernhardt
Paperback. Illustrations, charts, tables throughout.
Publisher Velopress
6" x 9", 328 pages.
VP-BFW, $18.95
978-1-934030-28-8

4 Fun Outdoors Events Coming Up - Life after Tour of California

I snapped this picture of pro cyclist Levi Leipheimer, who won not only Stage 2 of Tour of California (pictured here in Santa Cruz) but also captured the overall title of champion, for the 3rd year in a row.

The Tour of California, the biggest professional road bike race in the U.S., ended February 22, in southern California. The 9-day stage race traveled more than 800 miles. It stopped for the first time in my city, Santa Cruz, on Monday, February 16, for the finish of Stage 2. For weeks, I worked on multiple media projects related to this amazing bike race, including:

My Stories about TOC
• Adventure Sports Journal TOC 2009 preview
• Good Times cover story on twins Andy and Ben Jacques-Maynes
• Santa Cruz Sentinel report on Stage 2 race
TV Show
• Comcast cable preview of TOC race - I hosted the show & will soon post to You Tube!
Events
• Movie Night at the Rio - moderator of post film discussion
• Race Day Kids' Costume Parade for City of Santa Cruz - parade emcee
Online Community
• Facebook TOC Stage 2 - I created & maintained group page for more than 650 cycling fans. Thanks to all who made it so much fun!

Race is finished, here's what's next for me - and maybe you too!
Karen's 4 Favorite Outdoors Events Coming Up:

1. Banff Film Festival - International World Tour
Now showing! (In Santa Cruz Feb. 27-28).
Check the website for dates in U.S., Canada and 32 other countries. I love these films on mountain sports and culture. There's always a variety of films showcasing sports including mountain biking, rock climbing, skiing, snowbaording, kayaking and aerial sports like paragliding. Video clip intro:
http://www.banffcentre.ca/mountainculture/tour

Stay tuned to my blog! Next report is on trip to British Columbia, including Whistler, where I snapped this photo of a snowboarder while I was riding in the Sno-Limo.

2. Sea Otter Classic - Festival of Bicycling!
April 16-19, 2009
Monterey, California (Central California)
I have attended this huge festival of bicycling for nearly 15 years! There is bike racing, recreational rides and great shopping at this huge event - thousands of spectators and athletes for road, mountain bike, mountain cross, downhill, cross country, BMX and more.

3. Dirt Series Mountain Bike Skills Clinics
U.S. and Canada
Love mountain biking? Want to get better? Last year, I signed up for a two-day clinic, for women, taught by women, in Santa Cruz. It was so awesome that I signed up again this year's Santa Cruz clinic (which is sold out with a filled wait list). But there are other cities with spaces left. The series also includes clinics that are co-ed. (*I posted schedule at bottom of this posting).

4. North American Handmade Bicycle Show
Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
Feb.27 - March 1
With 120+ exhibitors, this year's show is shaping up to be a classic: 20% larger than the San Jose show in 2007, and approaching the 2008 peak in Portland. Check it out if you can!

Coming Soon on my Blog - 2010 Olympics Sneak Preview! Plus, Elephant seals, Mark Allen and Mardi Gras! This photo is from my trip to Whistler, British Columbia in February.

MORE About NAHBS
The North American Handmade Bicycle Show moves from city to city each year. It is scheduled for February 27 – March 1, 2009, at the Indiana Convention Center. The show is dedicated to showcasing the talents of individuals around the world whose art form is the bicycle. It aims to be a meeting point – online and in person – for frame builders and consumers looking for custom-made bikes, for the sharing of ideas, and promotion of a special industry with a rich history. Since its first year in 2005, NAHBS has grown from a show with 23 exhibitors and 200 attendees. For more information, see.

MORE about the DIRT SERIES Schedule
April
* [25-26] Santa Cruz, CA
May
* [2-3] Laguna Hills, CA
* [16-17] Calgary, AB
* [18] Calgary, AB (co-ed)
* [23-24] North Vancouver, BC
* [30-31] Whistler, BC
June
* [13-14] Park City, UT
* [20-21] Sun Valley, ID
* [27-28] Whistler, BC
July
* [11-12] Bend, OR
* [18-19] Hood River, OR
* [25-26] Whistler, BC (co-ed)
August
* [8-9] North Vancouver, BC
* [22-23] Canmore, AB
* [29-30] Fernie, BC (co-ed specialty)
September
* [12-13] Whistler, BC (co-ed)

Wild Tour of California Stage 2 -Weather Adds Drama to Stage 2 finish in Santa Cruz

Here's my report from the Monday, February 16 race!

Fans and Cyclists alike kept spirits high despite rain & hail

The sky unleashed hail, driving rain, drizzle and even some sunshine during Stage 2 of the Amgen Tour of California, which finished yesterday in a packed downtown Santa Cruz. The wild weather did not dampen the spirits of thousands of spectators cheering the world’s best racers, including Lance Armstrong, seven-time winner of the Tour de France.

In their third day of racing the 9-stage event, the pack started at 8:30 a.m. in Sausalito, crossed the Golden Gate bridge — closed to traffic for a sporting event for only the second time — raced down Highway 1 and completed the challenging 115.9-mile ride on Front and Cooper Streets at about 2 p.m. It was the first time the city hosted the 4th annual event, the biggest professional bike race in the U.S.

The crowds were wall-to-wall at the finish area. Armed with umbrellas, raincoats, ponchos and waterproof pants, the throngs were undeterred by Mother Nature’s unpredictable behavior, which included sudden downpours even after the rain had mostly abated.

“It was brutal,” said Wendy Bowers-Gachesa, of the hail that pelted her while she watched the race from Bonny Doon Road, the site of the second and final climb of Stage 2. “We were out there for two hours,” said the Watsonville resident who joined a dozen friends to cheer for the cyclists. “It was hailing, drizzling, then hard rain, more hail,” she said. “For about 10 seconds, there was sun. My car said the temperature was 39 degrees.”

From the racer’s perspective, the conditions were even worse. “Turn the shower on as cold as it gets, then stand there for four hours,” said two-time Tour of California champion Levi Leipheimer who wore the leader’s yellow jersey after Stage 2. “That’s what it was like.” He was bundled up in a hat and two jackets at the post-race press conference held at the Santa Cruz Veteran’s Hall.

Team Astana’s Leipheimer, who battled to become the overall Tour of California race leader during Stage 2, was not the only racer impacted by the harsh weather. “It was hailing in Pescadero and the coldest point was on Skyline,” said Ben Jacques-Maynes, a pro cyclist on Team Bissell who lives in Watsonville with his wife, Goldi, and their two young daughters. “The cold seeps into your legs. The wind and rain wears on everyone.”

It’s likely that the dangerous road conditions played a role in the accident that took Andy Jacques-Maynes out of the race. The twin and Team Bissell teammate of Ben Jacques-Maynes make a trip to the hospital to have his injuries, which were considered moderate and not life-threatening, checked out.

Despite the cold, Bowers-Gachesa, a nutrition instructor at West Valley College and an avid cyclist, had no regrets about her Bonny Doon vantage point. “The vibe was really good up there. There were a lot of spectators and it was an exciting race. I just wish they were slower so I could have seen them for longer!”

The steep climb of Bonny Doon Road was where the day’s drama unfolded. The second climb of Stage 2, after Tunitas Creek, was a thrilling spectacle thanks largely to the Herculean effort of Levi Leipheimer. The two-time defending champion of the Tour of California and teammate of Lance Armstrong made a daring break away from the pack on the climb. The initial attack had been launched by Carlos Barredo who was in the lead up to the summit of the hill. Leipheimer, essentially riding solo, closed in on and caught Barredo (Quick Step). Ultimately, Thomas Peterson (Garmin-Slipstream) won stage 2.

“When we hit the bottom of Bonny Doon Road, I could see everyone was at their limit,” said Leipheimer later at the press conference. “I felt good, so I turned to [teammate] Popo and said ‘light it up!’ Then came the real suffering.”

The challenging climb was followed by the treacherous descent down Empire Grade. Reaching speeds of 50 miles an hour on rain-slicked pavement, the racers had to take care not to have their rear tires slip. Due to his bold descent and strong overall riding, Ben Jacques-Maynes was awarded the “Most Courageous Rider” title for Stage 2. “This feels like a nice homecoming,” said Jacques-Maynes, who helped design the race course for Tour of California. “To stand up on the podium with so many family and friends here was amazing.”

From Davenport to downtown finish line spirits stayed high as people banded together to celebrate the event. “I just came in from standing in the rain for an hour in Davenport, waiting for the bike race to come,” reported Ann Parker via email. “It was fun local camaraderie!”

Members of the Peloton Club, the Tour of California booster club, were cozy on the heated patio at Woodstock’s Pizza watching the broadcast of the race, then moved to the roadside tent to watch the finish.

“We are being treated like royalty,” said one member, munching on the buffet catered by Southern Exposure.

Stationed at the finish line at the 200 meter mark, Terri Schneider, an endurance athlete and coach who lives in Aptos, said the weather was no big deal. “I figure the riders are getting hammered and we have nothing to complain about.”

After Stage 2, cycling fans drifted to downtown shops while others went home to recover. For the pro racers, there are still 450 miles to go in the Tour of California and no days off until the tour ends, Feb. 22 in Escondido. Asked about his overall race strategy, Leipheimer said, “I will take it day by day, kilometer by kilometer. It’s gonna be really tough.”

For full results visit, www.tourofcalifornia.com.

Tour of California Today - worst weather possible!

7 a.m. Monday, February 16, 2009
Santa Cruz, California
It's the day I have waited for at last! The Tour of California bike racers, including Lance Armstrong and the world's best are coming to Santa Cruz. They are expected to arrive at the finish line in downtown Santa Cruz between 1 and 2 p.m.

Never mind the torrential downpour! I am putting on long underwear, a pair of bike tights, a pair of insulated pants and rain pants overtop - my rainboots and many layers on top. I think that should do it for my walking and working in the rain from 7:30 a.m. til 2 p.m.
Yowza!

If I think it's bad for me, just imagine for the 136 racers who are competing in dangerous and wet conditions!

The Santa Cruz Sentinel reported:

The biggest storm of the season struck the region Sunday as high winds and heavy rain contributed to a fatal traffic accident, downed trees and power lines and triggered mudslides and road closures countywide.

The National Weather Servi ce reported a 24-hour total of 1.46 inches of rain in Santa Cruz as of 4 p.m. Sunday, while winds had gusted to 25 mph. Sentinel weather watchers reported significanthigher rainfall totals in the 24-hour period ending 6 p.m. Sunday: More than 4.5 inches of rain was reported in Boulder Creek, while Ben Lomond saw almost 3 inches.

Wish us luck here for the Stage 2 finish!