Fabulous Fat Tire Fun & Sweet Singletrack @ Ride Sun Valley Mountain Bike Festival in Idaho

I want to go check out this new Ride Sun Valley Mountain Bike Festival in Idaho in July!

Here's more info:

Websites:

http://www.ridesunvalley.com/

http://www.visitsunvalley.com/

Facebook Pages:

http://www.facebook.com/sunvalley

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ride-Sun-Valley/212199422145732

Sea Otter Classic 2011 - 3 photos of cycling studs off their bikes!

• Ben Jacques-Maynes, road pro – Team Bissell
• Cam McCaul, freeride pro - Trek Bicycles
• Lorri Lee Lown – Sea Otter Ladies Activities Coordinator
• Katie Compton, XC pro – Giant/Rabobank 
• Jeff Frost, Sea Otter Classic – Director of Athlete Services
• Eric Carter, athlete ambassador and former World Champion, GT Bicycles
• Matt Thompson, Momentum Trail Concepts – DH course upgrade contractor
• Jasen Thorpe, press conference moderator, Thorpe Media (Not pictured)

Ben Jacques-Maynes of Team Bissell had just crossed the finish line of his criterium road race, Thursday, April 14, right before attending this press conference to answer our questions.

Cam McCaul, left, is world famous for his bicycle stunts and lives in my town, Santa Cruz. I told his girlfriend, right,  it would make me nervous to see him flying into the air, but she said she's gotten used to it!

Speaking of Cam McCaul here's a story about him in the Santa Cruz Sentinel newspaper:

Sea Otter Classic: Aptos pro rider McCaul places second in new, speed and style driven race

By JULIE JAG - jjag@santacruzsetinel.com

Posted: 04/17/2011 01:30:04 AM PDT

Sea Otter Classic 2011 Day 1 Festival Photos by Karen Kefauver

 

Ride the Divide: Catch this Movie for Bicycling Inspiration - Here's the Tour Schedule

Last summer I was inspired by seeing the movie, "Ride the Divide."  The award-winning feature film about the world's toughest mountain bike race, which traverses over 2700 miles along the Continental Divide in the Rocky Mountains is a must-see for those who love cycling adventures. What I liked most was the up-close and personal portraits of the cyclists who undertook this adventure.

Ride the Divide Producer Mike Dion pictured here in Montana

Produced by Mike Dion and directed by Hunter Weeks, the film has a screening Wed., April 6 in San Jose. This event is going to be a benefit for ROMP (Responsible Organized Mountain Pedalers).
Tickets for the April 6 show in San Jose are available online now: http://www.imathlete.com/Events/RideTheDividemovie. Tickets are $15 at the door, and $11 in advance. 

More About the Movie

Mike, a 40-year old family man who uses this challenge to chart a new course in life; Matthew, a leader in extreme endurance racing who’s competing for his 5th time; and Mary, the first female rider to race this route, will set out to accomplish what very few have been able to. Over the course of a few weeks they’ll attempt to climb over 200,000 vertical feet over the Rocky Mountains. That’s the equivalent of ascending Mount Everest from sea level seven times.
The national list of upcoming screenings is below.

They’ll experience mental breakdowns, treacherous snow, hellacious blisters, and total fatigue. Above all, they’ll race with no support – at times in total isolation. The tests of endurance and the accomplished moments throughout Ride the Divide prompt us to reflect on our inner desires to live life to the fullest.

Ride The Divide features Mary Metcalf Collier, pictured here in southern New Mexico. Photo credit: Stephen Gleasner

Upcoming screenings here: http://www.ridethedividemovie.com/screenings-info.

• April 6, 7:00PM | San Jose, CA, Retro Dome Buy Tickets
• April 7, 7:00PM | Santa Rosa, CA Summerfield Cinemas Buy Tickets
• April 11, 7:00PM | Redding, CA Prime 11 Cinemas Buy Tickets
• April 12, 8:00PM | Chico, CA Pageant Theatre Buy Tickets
• April 13, 7:00PM | Oakland, CA Grand Lake Theater Buy Tickets
• April 14, 7:00PM | Longmont, CO Dickens Opera House Buy Tickets
• April 26, 7:00PM | Ocala, FL Marion Theater Buy Tickets
• April 27, 7PM & 9PM | Miami, FL O-Cinema Buy Tickets
• April 28, 6:30PM & 8:15PM | Tampa, FL Cinebistro Hyde Park Buy Tickets
• May 3, 7:30PM | Chicago, IL Classic Cinemas Ogden 6 Buy Tickets
• May 4, 7:00PM | Milwaukee, WI Times Cinema Buy Tickets
• May 5, 8:00PM | Madison, WI Orpheum Theatre Buy Tickets
• May 8, 8PM | Richmond N.Yorkshire Station Cinema [ENGLAND] Info Soon
• May 11, 7:00PM | Massillon, OH Lincoln Theater Info Soon
• May 21, 7:00PM | Sandpoint, ID Panida Theater More Info
• June 3, 1:00PM | Emporia, KS Emporia Granada Theater More Info
• June 23 | Saratoga Springs, NY Saratoga Film Forum

Willie Weir A Frugal Cyclist's Guide to the Universe

Author, public radio commentator, and columnist for "Adventure Cyclist" magazine, Willie Weir has cycled more than 60,000 miles throughout the world. I'm excited to hear what he has to say in Saratoga, California, tonight at the REI store, where he has filled the venue and there's now a waitlist. Here's his travel schedule for March in April in California and Washington.

Some may call him cheap, frugal, a tightwad, or an initiator of kindness, but everyone agrees he knows how to get the most bang for his buck when it comes to traveling the globe, be it protesting an over-priced fish dinner, knocking on doors for free lodging, or giving the world's cheapest engagement ring. Tonight, Willie will bring to life tales from his latest book, "Travels with Willie" - hilarious tales that will leave you wanting to quit your day job and hit the road. Thanks to Willie's generous donation of a portion of his book proceeds from these events, two Bay Area nonprofit organizations will benefit - East Bay Bicycle Coalition and Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition.

I'll let you know what I think!

Mismaloya, Mexico, a Fun Day in Photos

Grandma and grandson at water's edge in Playa Mismaloya

The monkeys seemed content at Puerto Vallarta Zoo but I was not so sure about some of the larger animals. See my previous blog post.

The vendors will swarm you on Playa Mismaloya. I bought just one slice of lemon meringue pie from the "Pie Lady from Yelapa" - yum! I enjoyed watching others wheel and deal, like this family.

I took a day trip to Boca de Tomatlan- a 15 min. bus ride from Mismaloya.

Boca de Tomatlan may be best known as the place where you can catch a water taxi to Yelapa.

Home, sweet home. Also known as Casa Iguana Hotel, where I spent my first 3 nights in Mexico.

 

I loved the tranquility of the Boca beach, below. It's a small beach, but people actually lie on towels not just chairs for rent!

A fabulous sunset to end my 3 nights in Mismaloya.

Prefer Peace to Partying? Try Mismaloya instead of Puerto Vallarta!

Mismaloya is best known as the place where the 1963 film Night of the Iguana was filmed. If that information means little to you, consider that the stars of that film, Ava Gardener and Richard Burton - as well as his soon-to-be wife, Elizabeth Taylor, are today's equivalent of Jennifer Aniston, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. 

But celebrity history is not what drew me to Mismaloya. During my three nights here, I wanted the relative peace that bustling Puerto Vallarta could not provide. I landed here by chance after a quick survey of good reviews on TripAdvisor and Priceline's tip that there is free wifi!

This is a beach I will explore tomorrow, less crowded than Playa Mismaloya. The rocks are known as Los Arcos and are a great place for snorkeling.

Mismaloya is a 45-minute taxi ride from Puerto Vallarta's main airport.

The sun set around 5:30 p.m. today.

During my taxi ride from Puerto Vallarta's airport, 7 miles south along the coast to Mismaloya, the driver was certain I would dislike Mismaloya. Juan gave me his card so he could drive me somewhere else with more action. 

It is muy tranquilo at my hotel, Casa Iguana. It's a clean and friendly spot with 50 2-bedroom suites with kitchenettes.

Though it's not on the waterfront, my hotel, Casa Iguana is a 5-minute walk to the Playa Mismaloya on Banderas Bay. The beachfront is dominated by the Barcelo empire (an exclusive, all-inclusive resort). I spent today at the beach, surprised by the number of tourists and peddlers hawking hats, jewelry, sunglasses, rugs, dresses, ceramics, sculpture, candy, peanuts and shrimp on a stick. A remote place this is not, but it is pretty.

I sat on the beach, enjoyed huevos rancheros and watched the tourist action: tons of sun tan lotion, miles of cellulite, a few sets of six pack-abs, and a heated family debate on whether to go to the zoo or take a boat for the afternoon. Tomorrow, I will go to the zoo!

Forget "Eat, Pray, Love!" For me, it's Eat, Eat, Eat at Serrano Restaurant. Here's a plate of fresh chile rellenos!

Here at Casa Iguana Hotel, I am especially charmed by the manager of Serrano Restaurant, which is on the property but owned separately from the hotel. A welcoming ambassador to the restaurant, Jorge Joya Castillon, has been the manager there for just two months, but is a veteran of the restaurant industry. One of my least favorite parts of traveling solo is dining alone and this gentleman made me feel like a superstar! Hopefully Jorge will serenade you, he has a fantastic voice!

Jorge, the manager at Serrano Restaurant at Casa Iguana, has a fantastic singing voice in addition to a warm, welcoming personality.

This is my fifth trip to Mexico - Copper Canyon, Yucatan Peninsula, Puerto Vallarta (P.V.)  and Zihuatenejo and now back to P.V.! I plan to visit Chiapas in October 2011.

No one touched my junk at San Jose Airport and TSA tips on how to travel safely this holiday season

I don't have the power to conduct pat-downs or the authority to use high-powered, x-ray equipment, but I am intently scanning and monitoring the activity of passengers and Transportation Security Administratoin (TSA) agents as they pass through the security gate at San Jose International Airport. I am happy to report I saw no frisky guards here at SJC this morning, the launch of the busy travel season - 24 million travelers will hit the road!

So far, I have witnessed none of the horrors making headline news recently - a breast cancer survivor being asked to remove her prosthetic breast, a young, shirtless boy being patted down aggressively in Utah. And no one has loudly stated what John Tyner said to set off the national outcry over increased security: "Don't touch my junk or I'll have you arrested."

I abandoned my fantasy plan to walk naked through the security area - that could lead to other problems! So instead, I just did as I was told and walked thru the controversial scanner. I was told to put my hands up in the air (as in being arrested) and plant my feet apart on painted footprints on the floor. Then, I knew someone I couldn't see was looking at my body contours to check for concealed weapons.

The only weapon I have is my words! But others are taking action on Wed., Nov. 24. I hope you are not flying that day = unless you are protesting. The protest, National Opt-Out Day, is scheduled for Wednesday to coincide with the busiest travel day of the year. 
Most importantly:

Here are the TSA tips for safe travel- Check them out here!

Helpful Hints for Holiday Travelers - Checklist

Before Packing
0 Quart sized zip top bag (Hint: 1 bag per passenger is permitted)
0 3 ounces or less sized containers of liquids, gels and aerosols
0 Visit TSA.gov to review the prohibited items list for both carry-on and checked baggage
0 If purchasing a luggage lock, be sure to look for those that are recognized by TSA
0 It can be helpful to tape a card with your name and contact information on any large
electronics (like laptops)

When Packing
0 Pack items in layers (shoes one layer, clothes one layer, electronics one layer, etc.)
0 Pack large electronics on top layer of carry-on for easy accessibility
0 Place your 3-1-1 bag with liquids, gels and aerosols in front pocket of your carry-on
for easy accessibility

Before Leaving for Airport
0 Give yourself enough time to arrive at the airport early
0 Wear easily removable shoes 0 Make sure to have accepted government issued identification and boarding pass (if printed at home)

Before Entering Checkpoint
0 Look for Family/Medical Liquids Lanes if special assistance is needed for families
0 Be sure to place all items from pockets and any bulky metal jewelry in carry-on bag or purse
0 Have ID and boarding pass out for inspection

After Entering Checkpoint
0 Remove 3-1-1 bag and place in bin
0 Remove shoes and place directly on belt for quick screening
0 Remove coats and jackets and place in bin 0 Remove computers and large electronics from carry on and place in bin alone (video game
consoles, remote control toys, etc.)
0 Ensure no items remain in your pockets before proceeding to the walk-thru metal detector
or imaging technology (keys, cell phones, comb, eyeglasses, etc.)
0 Remember to check bins and collect all belongings following screening.

Have a safe flight!

One Inspiring Hour with Rafiki of Rwanda

Rafiki Callixte described his family as a "soccer team." 

"There were 11 of us," he told the audience. But after the genocide in Rwanda, just 8 survived. At the Firelight Foundation's open house on Tuesday, November 16, in Santa Cruz, California, I was riveted by the hour-long talk by Rafiki Callixte, project manager for Rwandan grantee-partner Les Enfants de Dieu ("Children of God"). He spoke passionately about his process of forgiveness and subsequently devoting his life to helping street children in Kigali.

Rafiki talked about the youth-focused programs he manages at Les Enfants that empower children living on the street to become self-sufficient and to be reintegrated into their communities and families. He explained that often parents did not want their children back because they simply could not afford to raise them or did not have the space to house them. He spoke with humor and compassion.

 A survivor of the 1994 genocide, Rafiki chose to forgive those who had caused him and his family immense suffering. "Forgiveness is the champion of healing," he said. Through forgiveness and helping others in need, Rafiki is working toward his goal of changing the world around him, one child at a time.

 

Rafiki and his staff give children living on the street hope by showing them that they are worthwhile. Les Enfants provides short-term shelter for more than 100 boys, equipping them with literacy and vocational skills while working to identify biological or foster families for them. Rafiki says, "We are empowering youth so they can become peace-builders and change-makers." He refers girls to a different program.

The Firelight Foundation was one of the first sources of funding for Les Enfants. The evening concluded on a high note with a $6,000 check presented to Rafiki from the Firelight Foundation.

Les Enfants de Dieu owns and runs a residential care center in Ndera, a suburb in Kigali near the international airport. The center is situated on over 4 hectares of land, mainly in the valley.
Currently, there are 117 former street boys aged between 7 and 18.

Contact info:

Address:
	B.P.616 Kigali, Rwanda
	Gasabo
	Rwanda

E-mail:	info@enfantsdedieu.orgThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Telephone:	(250) 520 663
Fax:	(250) 574 290