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This blog is to report the goings on at SpinDoc. Everything from race reports to training blogs.

Friday, November 21, 2014

AUCTION ITEM LIST

AUCTION ITEM #1: Wood Wine Rack                                         Retail Value: $125
Three-tier wooden wine rack; holds 27 bottles of wine.                    Bid Increments: $5.00
Dimensions: 20” T x 12”D x 38” L

 

STARTING PRICE: $35







AUCTION ITEM #  2: Baby Bag (Girl) A: 0-6 mos.                             Retail Value: $50
New and Gently Worn Clothes, Blanket, Shoes, Etc.                               Bid Increment: $2.00


STARTING PRICE: $15.00





















AUCTION ITEM #  3: Baby Bag (Girl) B: 6-12 mos.              Retail Value: $50
New and Gently Worn Clothes, Blanket, Shoes, Etc.                                              Bid Increment: $2.00



STARTING PRICE: $15.00













AUCTION ITEM # 4: Computer Bag                                                   Retail Value: $75
Nearly New Lenovo Computer Bag with Shoulder Strap                        Bid Increment: $2.00

STARTING PRICE: $18.00












AUCTION ITEM # 5: Jelly Belly Mini Bean Machine                        Retail Value: $18
                                                                                                                 Bid Increment: $1.00

STARTING PRICE: $1.00














AUCTION ITEM # 6: 1982 GI Joe Metal Lunchbox                           Retail Value: $18
Good condition; thermos not included                                                     Bid Increment: $1.00

STARTING PRICE: $5.00









AUCTION ITEM # 7: Pair Gold Holiday Wreaths with Lights
Sparkling gold holiday wreaths with battery pack/LED lights                    Retail Value: $40 each
                                                                                                                      Bid Increment: $2.00

STARTING PRICE: $15.00/Pair













AUCTION ITEM # 8: Eddie Bauer Messenger Bag
Nearly New, Used Once Cross-Shoulder Messenger Bag                        Retail Value: $35
                                                                                                              Bid Increment: $2.00

STARTING PRICE: $8.00














AUCTION ITEM # 9: Tin Wall Sconce
Decorative Tin Light/Sconce with Electric Light                                   Retail Value: $65
Dimensions: 18” T x 8” W x 4¾“ D                                                     Bid Increment: $5.00

STARTING PRICE: $15.00


















AUCTION ITEM # 10: Tin Heart-Shaped Mirror
Local Artist Gilberto Romero                                                                      Retail Value: $35
Dimensions: 13” T x 12¼” W                                                                    Bid Increment: $2.00

STARTING PRICE: $8.00











AUCTION ITEM # 11: Billie Holiday 4-Album Record Set
Pristine Condition! Original box and sleeves; does not include booklet              Retail Value: $35
                                                                                                                       Bid Increment: $2.00

STARTING PRICE: $6.00












AUCTION ITEM # 12: Pewter Beer Stein with Ships
Heavy Pewter with Three Ships; Small Makers Mark on Bottom                               Retail Value: $125
                                                                                                                                Bid Increment: $2.00

STARTING PRICE: $35.00









AUCTION ITEM # 13: Small Metal and Enamel Bison
Small ornamental bison with enamel (?) and rhinestones                       Retail Value: Not Known
                                                                                                                      Bid Increment: $1.00

STARTING PRICE: $1.00









AUCTION ITEM # 14: Complete TV Series “West Wing”
Probably some of the smartest TV ever produced. Well, we think so!          Retail Value: $299.98
                                                                                                                       Bid Increment: $5.00

STARTING PRICE: $50.00









AUCTION ITEM # 15: Glass Cheese Board/Trivet
It will always feel like spring when you pull out this cheese board!                 Retail Value: $30
                                                                                                                    Bid Increment: $2.00

STARTING PRICE: $8.00


















AUCTION ITEM # 16: Haviland “Martha Washington” Plate
Made in France by Haviland; reproduction of plates made for Martha Washington; condition is very good with a small amount of wear on the center gold medallion
                           Retail Value: $50
                                                                                                                                 Bid Increment: $2.00

STARTING PRICE: $15.00












AUCTION ITEM # 17: Norman Rockwell “Trout Dinner” from Four Seasons Series
Made by Gorham, part of the 1980 edition of the Four Seasons Series depicting Norman Rockwell images. Perfect condition.
                           Retail Value: $45
                                                                                                                                 Bid Increment: $2.00

STARTING PRICE: $12.00











AUCTION ITEM # 18: Norman Rockwell “Ski Skills” from Four Seasons Series
Made by Gorham, part of the 1980 edition of the Four Seasons Series depicting Norman Rockwell images. Perfect condition.
                           Retail Value: $45
                                                                                                                                 Bid Increment: $2.00

STARTING PRICE: $12.00












AUCTION ITEM # 19: Budweiser Beer Stein Collection
Five beer steins from Budweiser: “Evolution of the Label” ($15); “Greatest Triumph” ($20); “Nascar 50th Anniversary” ($23); “Frog” ($25); and “Firefighter Boot” ($50), made by a variety of manufacturers.
                         Retail Value: $150
                                                                                                                                 Bid Increment: $5.00

STARTING PRICE: $45.00









AUCTION ITEM # 20: Deutsche Fussball Stein
             Retail Value: Not known
                                                                                                                              Bid Increment: $1.00

STARTING PRICE: $5.00











AUCTION ITEM # 21: Crank-Up Radio
No longer available, this radio will still keep you up-to-date when power is off. New in box, never used.  Eton Model FR300. Crank it up, dude!    
                                                                                                                   Retail Value: $45


                                                           Bid Increment: $1.00
STARTING PRICE: $10.00











AUCTION ITEM # 22: Mesh Officer Organizer
Three-drawer, sleek organizer will help you keep papers where you want them.
                                                                                                          Retail Value: $15
                                                                                                        Bid Increment: $1.00

STARTING PRICE: $3.00












AUCTION ITEM # 23: Lazy Susan Fondue Kit
Atmosphere 30-piece, 3-in-1 Lazy Susan Fondue Kit, serves six. New in box, unused.
                                                                                 Retail Value: $75
                                                                              Bid Increment: $5.00


STARTING PRICE: $18.00












AUCTION ITEM # 24: Plush Gold Teddybear
Soft, Plush Teddybear, 18” Tall
                                                                         Retail Value: Not Known
                                                                              Bid Increment: $1.00

STARTING PRICE: $5.00













AUCTION ITEM # 25: De’Longhi Espresso Machine and Cups
De’Longhi espresso maker; patented manual cappuccino system achieves the richest, thickest, longest lasting foam for a superior beverage. Auction package include two white espresso cups with saucers; two glass cups with metal handles; and four large cappuccino cups.
                                                                            Retail Value: $125
                                                                              Bid Increment: $5.00

STARTING PRICE: $35.00










AUCTION ITEM # 26: Set of Four Plates and Four Bowls
Dish set designed by Tracy Flickinger. Perfect condition: no chips, cracks or scratches.
                                                                               Retail Value: $49
                                                                              Bid Increment: $2.00

STARTING PRICE: $13.00










AUCTION ITEM # 27: Belkin Play N600HN Router
Router – unopened and ready to use.  The Fastest, Most Reliable Speeds For Video, Music And Gaming With Speeds Of Up To 300 Mbps.
                                                                               Retail Value: $60
                                                                              Bid Increment: $2.00

STARTING PRICE: $15.00











AUCTION ITEM # 28: Texas Sampler
Candied Texas Pecans,  Texas Rub Sampler (chicken rub, pork rub, steak/burger rub and chili mix) and two microwave mitts
                                                                                 Retail Value: $30
                                                                              Bid Increment: $1.00

STARTING PRICE: $8.00











AUCTION ITEM # 29: Otterbox Phone Case for iPhone5
“Armor” series, new in box, for iPhone 5.
                                                                      Original Retail Value: $99
                                                                              Bid Increment: $2.00

STARTING PRICE: $15.00













AUCTION ITEM # 30: SkullCandy Wireless Headphones
Double Agent headphones, 40mm driver – new in box!
                                                                        Original Retail Value: $189
                                                                              Bid Increment: $5.00

STARTING PRICE: $40.00











AUCTION ITEMS # 31a and b: Audio Technica M4000S Microphones
Hardly used, in original box; unidirectional micorphone
                                                                       Original Retail Value: $199
                                                                              Bid Increment: $5.00

STARTING PRICE: $40.00











AUCTION ITEM # 32: MicroTrack II 2- Channel Digital Recorder
Mobile digital recorder by M-Audio, nearly new condition, includes CD and Quick Start Manual (Discontinued Model)
                                                                            Original Retail Value ~$500
                                                                                          Sold Used $99
                                                                                   Bid Increment: $2.00
                                               

STARTING PRICE: $25.00











AUCTION ITEM # 33: Miniature Pink 1959 Cadillac
Doors and hood open, metal parts, model SS6710; 6 ¾” long
                                                                                Retail Value  $24
                                                                              Bid Increment: $1.00

STARTING PRICE: $5.00







AUCTION ITEM # 34: Pintoy Rolling Ball Game
We had one of these when I was a kid . . . hours of fun for all!
                                                                               Retail Value: $30
                                                                              Bid Increment: $1.00

STARTING PRICE: $7.00






AUCTION ITEM # 35: Coleman Single Burner Stove
Coleman camping stove. . . . never used and in original box
                                                                                Retail Value: $49
                                                                              Bid Increment: $2.00

STARTING PRICE: $13.00












AUCTION ITEM # 36: Mattone Chicken Press
Ceramic Italian Cooking Dish; Recipes all over the Internet!
Retail Value $35
                                                                              Bid Increment: $2.00

STARTING PRICE: $10.00









AUCTION ITEM # 37: Moroccan Tagine Pot and Cookbook
Authentic Tagine Pot and Cookbook; Greek Cookbook ; Tagine is 12½” W x 11½” T
     Retail Value for Package $75
                                                                              Bid Increment: $5.00

STARTING PRICE: $20.00












AUCTION ITEM # 38: Waterford Crystal Vase/Candleholder
Beautiful crystal etched vessel – use as a small vase or for a candle.                   Retail Value $48
                                                                           Bid Increment: $2.00


STARTING PRICE: $12.00












AUCTION ITEM # 39: Waterford Crystal Candleholder
From the Marquis Collection, this Bezel Votive will brighten your room.                Retail Value $29
                                                                                Bid Increment: $2.00

STARTING PRICE: $8.00










AUCTION ITEM # 40: Waterford Crystal Vase
Beautifully patterned vase brings elegance to the table.                                                     Retail Value $65
                                                                                Bid Increment: $5.00

STARTING PRICE: $15.00












AUCTION ITEM # 41: Otterbox Case for iPhone 5
Defender Series: rugged protection for your phone! New in case.                        Retail Value $50
                                                                                Bid Increment: $2.00


STARTING PRICE: $12.00





AUCTION ITEM # 42: Authentic Moroccan Pouf
Pieced and embroidered black and white leather; zipper on bottom. You will want to fill it with straw or densely fill with other materials.                                                                  Retail Value $150
                                                                                Bid Increment: $5.00

STARTING PRICE: $35.00













AUCTION ITEM # 43: Child’s Wood Rocking Chair
A chair with a history: this rocking chair was in the movied A Million Ways to Die in The West. Solid, well built rocker stained dark brown.  30½“ T, 23½” deep, 16¾“ W.          
    Retail Value $75
                                                                                Bid Increment: $5.00


STARTING PRICE: $20.00












AUCTION ITEM # 44: Authentic Moroccan Bedouin Chair
Carved and painted wood; leather/hide woven seat.                                          Retail Value $100
                                                                                Bid Increment: $5.00

STARTING PRICE: $25.00












AUCTION ITEM # 45: David Macaulay’s Way Things Work Game
2-4 Players, Ages 10+: The game where you solve mechanical problems.          Retail Value $20
                                                                                Bid Increment: $2.00

STARTING PRICE: $5.00







AUCTION ITEM # 46: Double Six Jumbo Dominoes
A great game at any age!                                                                                                   Retail Value $25
                                                                                Bid Increment: $2.00

STARTING PRICE: $5.00











AUCTION ITEM # 47: National Geographic on DVD
Every issue since 1888! 1,400 issues, 200,000 pictures and 8,000 articles on 6 DVDs. Windows and Mac compatible.                                                                                                            Retail Value $90
                                                                                Bid Increment: $5.00

STARTING PRICE: $20.00











AUCTION ITEM # 48: One of the Best Kids’ Games: Mousetrap!
2-4 Players, ages 6+. . . .we remember this game fondly. Many hours of family fun!
Retail Value $15
                                                                                Bid Increment: $1.00

STARTING PRICE: $3.00








AUCTION ITEM # 49: Decorative Peppers Quilt
Machine pieced with hand-tied knots; no label – possibly home made? 36½ “ square.
     Retail Value Unknown
                                                                                Bid Increment: $2.00

STARTING PRICE: $5.00










AUCTION ITEM # 50: Thai Silks Quilt (Minor Damage)
We debated putting this up since it does have some minor damage, but it is so wonderful and would be pretty easy to patch. . . .so you decide! 100% silk; 75” x 94”
     Retail Value Unknown
                                                                                Bid Increment: $2.00

STARTING PRICE: $8.00








AUCTION ITEM # 51: Cotton Embroidered Spread
Taska (Tasha) Polizzi 100% cotton throw, machine pieced and hand embroidered in navy cotton thread. Minor fading of some of the navy sections; minor staining on some of the white. 66” x 88”
     Retail Value Unknown
                                                                                Bid Increment: $2.00

STARTING PRICE: $8.00








AUCTION ITEM # 52: Cotton Throw; Hand Made
Circles of cotton folded in on themselves and stitched, then stitched together. Needs minor TLC stitching some back to their neighbor; otherwise in good condition.  66” x 44”
     Retail Value Unknown
                                                                                Bid Increment: $2.00

STARTING PRICE: $5.00








AUCTION ITEM # 53: Quilted Cotton Wall hanging
The power of color! Machine made pieced wall hanging; no label.  55” x 53”
     Retail Value Unknown
                                                                                Bid Increment: $2.00

STARTING PRICE: $5.00









AUCTION ITEM # 54: Yield to Bicycles! Glass Coaster Set
Set of four glass coasters handmade by local cyclist Sharon Probert; rubber tabs on bottom so the coasters won’t slide.  4” square.
     Retail Value $35/Set
                                                                                Bid Increment: $2.00

STARTING PRICE: $8.00











AUCTION ITEM # 55: LL Bean Backpack: Tougher than Nails
Heavy duty and made to last with a leather base. Carry anything, anywhere.  Used but shows almost no wear… a testament to it’s durability.                                                         Retail Value $100
                                                                                Bid Increment: $5.00


STARTING PRICE: $20.00












AUCTION ITEM # 56a/b: Boom Microphone Stand by ProLine
Hardly used, in original box; one of two, so grab ‘em both!                               Retail Value $50
                                                                                Bid Increment: $2.00



STARTING PRICE: $12.00


AUCTION ITEM # 57: Keyboard Stand by On-Stage
Hardly used, in original box; quick squeeze set up, study double X construction.
                                              Retail Value $73
                                                                                Bid Increment: $5.00



STARTING PRICE: $20.00



AUCTION ITEM # 58: Mexican Ceramic Canisters with Lids
Perfect condition, hand decorated ceramic kitchen canisters.
                                              Retail Value $50/pr
                                                                                Bid Increment: $2.00



STARTING PRICE: $12.00/Pair









AUCTION ITEM # 59: Dutch Delft Tiles, Directly from Holland
Six tiles brought overseas by Chandler’s family 20 years ago from Holland. Each tile is hand formed and printed.  Each tile retails for approx. $30!
                                              Retail Value $180/pr
                                                                                Bid Increment: $5.00



STARTING PRICE: $30.00/Set of Six








AUCTION ITEM # 60: Belkin Cable #1394
6 Pin to 4 pin; 14.7’ (4.5m). New in package: unopened, unused.
                                              Retail Value $50
                                                                                Bid Increment: $2.00


STARTING PRICE: $12.00










AUCTION ITEM # 61: Neoprene Dog Vest
Protect your hunting or active dog; Size Large; by Cabelas.
                                              Retail Value $30
                                                                                Bid Increment: $2.00


STARTING PRICE: $8.00










AUCTION ITEM # 62: Sony iPod Dock/Alarm
Docking station for iPods 5 and prior, two remotes, two speakers; good condition.
                                              Retail Value $500
                                                                                Bid Increment: $5.00


STARTING PRICE: $45.00









AUCTION ITEM # 63: Arbonne Gift Basket
Arbonne’s SeaSource Detox Spa: Fortifying Hair Mask; Detoxifying Rescue Wash; Foaming Sea Salt Scrub; Purifying Sea Soak; and Renewing Body Gelee. The gift anyone would love to receive!
                                              Retail Value $200
                                                                                Bid Increment: $5.00


STARTING PRICE: $50.00










AUCTION ITEM # 64: Colorful Fabric Shoulder Tote
A picnic in the park, a run to the library, or a small grocery run, grab this colorful bag and go.
 Retail Value $10
                                                                                Bid Increment: $1.00


STARTING PRICE: $2.00










AUCTION ITEM # 65: Russian (?) Tote
After searching inside and out, no identifying label could be found.  Wherever it is front, it’s in perfect condition, colorful and cute!
     Retail Value Unknown
                                                                                Bid Increment: $1.00

STARTING PRICE: $2.00











AUCTION ITEM # 66: Mexican Water Jug
Water jugs are very regional, and while I have no idea where it is from, but it is nonetheless a lovely, large Mexican water jug.  Always at home in the Santa Fe household.
     Retail Value Unknown
                                                                                Bid Increment: $2.00

STARTING PRICE: $14.00











AUCTION ITEM # 67: Wii System, Accessories and Games
Wii system with golf clubs, steering wheels, four hand controls, games and more!
            Retail Value ~$500
                                                                                Bid Increment: $5.00

STARTING PRICE: $65.00














AUCTION ITEM # 68: Bose SoundDock Portable Music System
Digital music sound system with rechargeable lithium-ion battery or wall charger. Input for auxiliary devices such as computer or tablet. In addition, iPod 16GB Touch, 2nd Generation.
            Retail Value  $500
                                                                               Bid Increment: $10.00

STARTING PRICE: $150.00













AUCTION ITEM # 69: Pelican Case Model 1654
Heavy-duty transportation case for pro-level audio/video/photography use. Waterproof, earthquake proof (maybe not!) – but strong nonetheless.  Padded dividers inside turns it into Model 1654.
            Retail Value  $350
                                                                               Bid Increment: $10.00
  
STARTING PRICE: $75.00








AUCTION ITEM # 70 (FB Only): Small Stained Glass Lamp
Cast base in the image of a tree trunk with a shade of pieced glass reflecting the floral and verdant canopy.  20” tall and 7 ½” across at the base.
            Retail Value  $225
                                                                               Bid Increment: $10.00
  
STARTING PRICE: $50.00 plus shipping (approx $25)


















AUCTION ITEM # 400: Hand Tooled Leather Tote
Unique, hand made tooled leather tote from Leslie Flint. Fully lined in fabric with several pockets inside and a braided leather shoulder strap. . . .in unmistakable hot pink.  16 ¾” wide, 15” to the top of the bag, 24” tall including shoulder straps.                                                    Retail Value $500
                                                                              Bid Increment: $10.00

STARTING PRICE: $12.00











AUCTION ITEM # 401: Imporio Armani for Maui Jim Sunglasses
Sleek, contoured and classic, these sunglasses are in their original case. . .and show no signs of wear. The iconic Armani symbol accents the edges in miniature nailheads and rhinestones.
                                                 Retail Value $250
                                                                              Bid Increment: $10.00

STARTING PRICE: $50.00











AUCTION ITEM # 402: Soft Pink Knit Dress by Tempo
Pale pinkish-mauve knit dress by Tempo of Paris. . . two layers of softness for comfortable romantic summer dressing.  Label says XL, but this dress form is a Small. . .so one size fits most.
                                                 Retail Value $85
                                                                              Bid Increment: $5.00
 
STARTING PRICE: $20.00











AUCTION ITEM # 403: St. John’s Bay Hooded Jacket
Adorable double-breasted jacket lined in soft black fabric and with a hood. Outer fabric 70% wool, 20% nylon, 10% cashmere; size Medium.
                                            Retail Value ~$220
                                                                              Bid Increment: $5.00

STARTING BID: $35











AUCTION ITEM # 404: Butter-Colored Chico’s Blouse
New with Tags, wrinkle-resistant button-down blouse by Chico’s. Size 1.
                                            Retail Value $55
                                                                              Bid Increment: $2.00

STARTING BID: $10












AUCTION ITEM # 405: Braefair Full Length Coat
Sporty and elegant at the same time – not an easy feat – this stylish coat will send you down the farolito walk in warmth. Made in USA, no content label but feels like wool.  
                                            Retail Value ~$300
                                                                              Bid Increment: $5.00

STARTING BID: $25












AUCTION ITEM # 406: Black/White Plaid Single-Button Jacket
Evan Picone Petites sport jacket, single button closure, 100% wool, fully lined, Size 8
                                         Retail Value Unknown
                                                                              Bid Increment: $2.00

STARTING BID: $5











AUCTION ITEM # 407: Charcoal Gray Nubby Wool Pea Coat
Liz Claiborne Pea Coat, Size 10, 100% wool, fully lined
                                         Retail Value Unknown
                                                                              Bid Increment: $2.00

STARTING BID: $10











AUCTION ITEM # 408: Chico’s Kimono-Style Evening Jacket
Elegant, relaxed kimono-style jacket with bronze beads; 51% silk, 26% rayon, 22% linen
                                         Retail Value Unknown
                                                                              Bid Increment: $2.00

STARTING BID: $10











AUCTION ITEM # 418: Gold, Silver and Australian Opal Bracelet
Designed and produced by local designer Miles Standish, this stunning narrow bracelet is sterling silver, topped with textured 22 carat gold, and embellished with an Australian opal.
                                         Retail Value $1200.00
                                                                              Bid Increment: $25.00

STARTING BID: $300















IT'S GETTING CLOSE! AUCTION for ASHLEIGH

Sunday, December 7th; La Plancha Restaurant, at the La Tienda Center in Eldorado; doors open at 5:00; festivities begin at 6. Please all 603-6112 to reserve your place for dinner. 

Join us for fun, festivities, music, dancing and get some holiday gift shopping done at the same time!

The auction will be a silent auction; each item or group of items will have a page that describes the item(s), lists a retail value, starting bid amount (like a reserve on Ebay) and the minimum bid increment ($1, $2, $5, etc). If you wish to bid on an item, you will write your name, phone number and email address, plus your bid amount. You may bid more than the bid increment, but it must be a factor of the bid increment (with a $2 bid increment, you can bid $4, or $6, or $12 higher than the last listed bid). Please write your name and contact information clearly in case you leave before the auction ends and we need to contact you with your winnings.

Choice items will be listed on a dedicated Facebook page (we will send you the name of that shortly with the URL).  Those items will each be listed on that page as a post, with the same description, value, starting bid and bid increment as the page on site at La Plancha. Here's where the fun comes in: we will be live at La Plancha through the evening, updating the Facebook page with local bids while out-of-town folks place bids by putting a comment with the bid amount under the item. Those internet bids in turn will be listed on the physical sheet here at the auction.

We anticipate closing the bidding at 7:30 PM Mountain time (9:30 east coast, 6:30 west coast) so that we have time to finalize the auction sales. For long-distance purchases, we will calculate shipping costs and prepare your items for shipment the next day, Monday, so items purchased as holiday gifts will arrive in time.

Items that will "go live" include a handmade narrow bracelet of sterling silver and 22 karat gold with an Australian opal valued at $1200 -- made locally by artist Miles Standish specifically for this auction. There is a stunning necklace of semi-precious stones. There are two decorative "plates" made of glass and a set of four glass coasters that recreate the classic yellow road sign indicating a bike lane, all also created by a local artist. We have a wonderful pair of sunglasses by Armani for Maui Jim in the original case, in perfect condition. There will also be a Rudy bicycle helmet, the Sterling model, which retails for $250.

For those bidding locally, keep an eye out for the many services up for auction: massage, private or semi-private belly dance classes, personal training sessions and more.

We are starting to build a separate blog post that includes photos, descriptions, value and starting bid for  auction items. As items continue to get logged in preparation for the auction, they will get added to the blog post. So visit back frequently as it continues to be updated!

Thank you, one and all, for all of your support. That support has manifested itself in donations, dinner reservations for the auction, Diamond Dogs jersey purchases,  hugs, and kind words. We so appreciate it all. Thank you.


Thursday, November 13, 2014

Auction Flyer


BID IT TO BEAT IT: AUCTION ITEMS FOR ASHLEIGH FUNDRAISER

Greetings, one and all! We are still accepting donations for the auction we are hosting on Sunday, Dec. 7th (just in time for holiday shopping). To date, here is a sampling of some of the items that will be up for auction:

ITEM                                                                                      RETAIL VALUE

Pair of ceramic Mexican canisters
Signed, matted and framed Artists Lithograph                        $350
Dutch handpainted ceramic tiles (4)                                        $20/each
Quilt (wall hanging)
National Geographic DVD set
Complete DVD set “The West Wing”
Hand beaded pouch                                                                $165
Waterford crystal vase
Waterford crystal candleholder
Waterford crystal
Pewter beer stein
Rudy “Sterling” bicycle helmet                                              $250
Bicycle saddle                                                                        $90
Vase                                                                                       $25
Personal training with Heather Rider (2 avail)                       $100/each
Glittery golden holiday wreaths w/lights (2 avail)                 $40/each
Armani “Maui Jim” Sunglasses in Case                                $250
Texas sampler: salsa, Texas pecans, etc                                $32
90-Minute massage (Areena)                                                $85
Espresso machine
Ceramic dishes: 2 bowls, teapot
Hitch rack, 2 bicycle
Massage (Rachel Samuels)                                                    $100
Moroccan chair                                                                      $125
Coleman stove
Hand-crank radio
Roof Racks for kayaks
Wild Birds Unlimited bird seed coupon                                $25
Computer bag
Moroccan “poof” (small floor pillow)
Private bellydance lesson for one or two students
Tennis rackets (2)
Gray wool coat
Assorted handbags/purses
Wine rack, wooden
Small wood dresser
Set of photos, NM churches, beautifully framed
Handmade glass plate, large                                                 $50
Handmade glass plate, small                                                $25
Glass coasters with bicycle image, set of 4                           $35/set
Assorted new cookbooks
Normal Rockwell plates, perfect condition
Martha Washington plate, perfect condition
Glass/tile art piece                                                                 $220
Met. Museum of Art framed horse poster

Backpack
Kid's Desk
Mahogany Headboard
Jewelry (assorted)
Baby/Toddler items in excellent condition
Brand new Fuji Silhouette 1.9 Disc, 17" Bicycle                $489

More items come in daily, and many are not listed above. The auction will be Sunday, December 7th at La Plancha, in the La Tienda Center in Eldorado. Doors open at 5:00 PM; if you would like to have dinner, you must RSVP to Chandler at the shop (466-4181) or on her cell (603-6112). La Plancha is donating proceeds from the evening to the fundraising efforts.  Entertainment will be provided by the Khans and Beth of the band Sadaqah and a variety of raqs sharki belly dancers. Come one, come all, and join us in this celebration of life!

Friday, September 19, 2014

VIVA CROSS VEGAS!

Whew -- I think that was one of the hardest -- if not the hardest -- races I have ever raced. Certainly the most intimidating. Nothing like riding at Cross Vegas!

Kirk raced last year; his race was the men's open which started at about 5:00 PM in roughly 103 degree Las Vegas heat. The grass was dry and thick, and I am fairly certain half of it was plastered to his face when he finished. He had fun, but the heat was terrible -- terrible enough that he opted to race the industry-only Wheelers and Dealers race this year. Race time was a considerably cooler 7:00 PM.

I didn't race last year. I remember watching with a mixture of relief and a little disappointment. Only a little though; it was hot just standing at the sidelines watching. (Well, no, one doesn't stand in one place -- one clambers all over the course watching from different vantage points and being at the side of the course at your racer's passing as much as possible to yell encouragement.) Plus I never would consider riding the women's open category, and that was the only option for women.

Until this year. This year a women's category was added to the Wheeler and Dealers race. How could I not? After all, I don't really race; I just go for a bike ride with people I know (or in this case, don't and most likely will never see again.) And for me it's just a matter of riding the features better and hopefully faster with each lap. So on the day registration opened, we both signed up. Race day was roughly six weeks out.

In the interim a couple things happened. First, I remembered that the prior year's course had at least one flyer-over in it. A fly-over is a man-made structure with either a ramp up one side and down the other, or stairs up one side and a ramp down the other. Either way, the mere idea of a fly-over became an insomnia-generating monolith. It was huge in my 3 AM brain -- more like a half pipe the Xtreme sports competitors ride on snowboards or skate boards.  In my mind the top was a vertical wall with a 90 degree angle at the top, and I knew that couldn't be how they were because the bike would hit the corner at the bottom bracket. . . but at 3 AM, semantics are not negotiable. My worry was (of all things) the ride up; stairs up, no prob. The ride down -- well, hopefully I would survive. It was the ride up that was the worry.

In addition, I got a new "A" bike, a Fuji. (In cross, the serious racers try to have two bikes, "A" and "B". The "A" bike is your primary racing bike; your "B" bike is set in the pit for an fast bike change should you flat or have some other mechanical.) It's a beauty; black with some turquoise and red details, it is a 1x11 speed, light weight, hydraulic disc brakes. It arrived in the shop on Saturday. My first ride on it was at the cross clinic Sunday. We left for Vegas on Monday. I noticed immediately how different the center of gravity was on it, compared to my Redline -- now my "B" bike. The Fuji is a smaller frame and fits me better. Once I figured out the subtle differences, it was an easy, joyful transition. At the clinic I played with it, got the "feel" for it. Then we hit the road.

My next ride on the Fuji was Tuesday morning in Flagstaff, Arizona. Kirk found a lovely, easy trail for us to ride, getting us a little saddle time the day before the race. Swoopy, non-technical single track on a fabulous solid surface, it was a wonderful way to get some more time in on the the new bike.

Then it was race time.  Mike, our rep from Polar Bottle, pulled up next to us in the parking lot (surprise!), every one got their bikes ready, changed into kit, pinned race numbers, and headed over to the course. Kirk knew I was apprehensive about the fly-overs, so the plan was to ride the course in a leisurely manner. We put the "B" bikes in the pit, and entered the course from that point.

Grass, lots n lots of grass. So far, so good -- up some hills, down some, nothing I can't handle. On the back there was a fairly steep grassy hill. I am usually pretty good at climbing but even on the pre-ride I got off to run it. We got to the first fly-over, and voila! Keeping up some speed and looking at the top -- where I wanted to go -- it was no prob. It didn't even make me nervous. Whew. Relief! We kept pre-riding, and I was very aware of how hard I was working, how hot it was, how much grass there was.
Lots n lots n lots of grass.  . .

We rode about 3/4 of the course, then pulled off to get some water. I was feeling pretty apprehensive as we sat on the grass and drank cold water, and started noticing that most of the gals that I saw on bikes were pretty young. Like the age of my oldest daughter. Like 20. Hmmm.

Then it was time to gather at the start. The men's Wheelers & eaters group was maxed out at 150 riders.  That's a lot of guys on bikes. All ages. All types, fitness levels, experience levels. Generally more fit and experienced than not, but quite the variety. The ladies gathered at the back, and I quickly took a head count (19 including me) and guessed average age (20, except two gals who were probably early 30s). I was very much the mom at the race. That's fine by me, I just asked them to be kind as they passed me! That's what is so awesome about cross: they were all so nice, ready to chat, and happy to mollify me by telling me I'd probably leave them in the dust. Hah! So NOT true!

It seemed like Kirk would never get his call up! He waited, and I waited, and we waited, and finally -- at place 135 or something -- he got his call up. I am unsure how those call-ups worked, but assume it was the prior year's points, years in the sport, greasing the palm (it IS Las Vegas!!) -- who knows.
Just a few guys at the start line…can you say sardines?

I learned later that some of those guys are former cross champions, mountain bike champions, etc. who have retired and become bike shop owners, managers, distributors, anything in the industry. Wow. The competition was pretty fierce.

The guys got their count and did a mini-lap to start their race, sending them past us and out onto the course. We quickly lined up -- no call ups for the 19 of us -- and were sent off on our race fairly unceremoniously with me happily at the back of the pack.

I took off as hard as I could, and was genuinely dismayed to find myself immediately off the back. I really hit it as hard as I could -- but no good. Oh well, I figured I'd just ride my own ride, as always.

So far, so good as I hit the part of the course we didn't pre-ride (mistake!!!!). Up and down rollers, towards a man-made plywood banked turn, but I knew from Kirk that there was flat grass at the bottom at was legal to ride, so I stayed low. Past that there was a run up and some stairs. The pros would ride up those… they were more step ups with sand behind them. I dismounted and started up them, running-- at the top was a hairpin turn, back down the hill -- and I quickly discovered I was so tapped out that I had to pause before I could even consider remounting the bike. I was off the back, so I took the moment, got on the bike, and rode down the hill. It was never to be the same.

To my surprise, this was the hardest part of the course for me. It looked much steeper going down it that night!

From there, one road much grass up a  slight hill, down a left hander onto concrete (I remembered many racers crashing on that bit of concrete the prior year, and the transition from grass to concrete looked sketchy to me, so I took it at a controlled speed and did okay). Once on the pavement, there was a sharp right turn onto grass, and more rollers -- past the pit, more rollers, up that steep climb -- the one I'd dismounted and run on the warm up. From here, one hit the two fly-overs, sand (no prob!!!) and some off-camber slopes.  I was good on all that, and even felt I kept some speed. But damn! It was hard. I was breathing really hard, I was going as hard as I could, and there was no place on the course that allowed any recovery.

One of those 20 year olds I was up against.
My goal went from "not finishing last" to "finishing."

I went through the start/finish and the spectators yelled encouragement. I wanted to yell, "I'm old enough to be any of their mothers!" but knew that only meant something to me. As they say, "no excuses!"

Lap two -- keep going. Shut up, legs! I suddenly saw a guy in front of me. He could have been in ZZ Top. I passed him on a climb -- that's where I usually catch riders if I'm going to -- then he passed me on the descent and turns. We played tag briefly, then I passed him for once and for all.  Okay, I'm not last -- even though he's not actually in my race.


I kept going, very aware of the load I was feeling in my quads. I was pushing so hard! The bike felt great, the handling was great, there was no point on the course where I really was uncomfortable -- except the hairpin on the hill -- but I couldn't seem to make a dent on the gap between me and the last gals, no matter how I tried.

I approach the hairpin turn on lap 3. I am about used up. I dismount, run the steps up to the top, get there, and can't compute getting back on the bike. I am at the top, facing the roll down and manage to get on the bike. And -- my bad -- I had stopped and was kind of frozen at the top of the hill, right in the best line for other racers. Sure enough, a guy comes up and plows straight into me. I was jolted back into action, sat down on the top tube and rolled down the hill, just to get out of the way. I felt so bad, impacting that guy's race as I did.  I was too brain dead to function there for a moment. Once at the bottom of the hill, I was able to find my pedals, and lift myself up onto the saddle and get rolling.  Geez, that was a drag, to realize how poorly I handled segment of course and that situation.

Slowly I did start to close the gap as the gal ahead of me was losing steam. We started playing tag. As we find so often in cyclocross, as I passed her the first time on a climb, she said to me, "Good job!" These racers are generally so friendly and mutually supportive. On the descent, she catches and passes me. I catch her on the next bit, and then she catches me on the next turn.

Next comes the steep uphill; nearly if not all of the ladies were running it, and I had long decided it was the best way to go for me. I knew it was the best place to catch and pass her, hopefully for the last time. Stick with the strategy: run the bill. I approach the hill, swing my right leg over the saddle, and BAM! I hit a guy right in his chest with my right foot. This guy, right behind me and on my wheel (I was so focused I didn't even know he was there) assumed I was riding the hill (and maybe thought he could draft me as I pulled him along). My dismount was a total surprise to him, and I caught him as I swung my leg over my saddle and his front wheel solidly collided with my rear wheel. He was very apologetic -- but the crash nearly took us both down after the impact. Keeping upright, he passed me and I continued up the hill. The gal I was on the verge of passing was long gone. At the top I remounted, and carried on toward the first fly-over.

The pros riding one of the fly-overs.
As I approach the last section of course, a guy rides past me through the switch-back section and laughing, calls out that I should block the way of the guys behind him. I called back that I doubted I'd be much of a foil -- kept pedaling on, and learned as I approached that with this crossing of the finish I was done. I tried to finish strong with whatever energy was left. As I pedaled down, after being done, spectators held their hands out one after another to give me high fives -- it was so nice to even be acknowledged for being there, and doing that. Thanks, spectators!

I pulled off the course and there was Kirk, talking to one of our local racers, Andrew, who works at Santa Fe distributor BTI. I was so happy to stand there and catch my breath, and listen to them talk about their races.

Kirk's race was challenging from the get-go since he started so far back. He immediately passed a good number of people and plowed onward, through turns, the hairpin,  up the grass, and onto the concrete. It was a place he figured others might grab some recovery and therefore decided to continue going hard, increasing his lead. He hit the concrete, made the right turn and woosh! the rear wheel slid right out. He landed so hard on his right hip he was initially afraid he had broken his pelvis. He sat for a moment to clear his head, then gingerly moved towards standing. Getting back on the bike, and finding he could pedal, he jumped back in.

And even with that crash, he finished 26 in his group (we have no way of knowing relative to the entire 150-strong field where he finished, as they started en mass but finishing placement was broken down into groupings).

Viva Cross Vegas! Will I do it again? Ask me next year. Right now the answer would certainly be no. Unless I learn how to handle that hairpin on the hill. . .

Post Script: So what was the big deal about my Fuji? The gearing. The bike was shipped with, as Kirk put it, gearing for 'a very strong young rider' (imagine that in an Arnold Schwarzenegger voice). It was comparable to taking away the small chain ring on my Redline, and riding with only the big chainring on the front and roughly the same setup on the cassette. In other words, my lowest gear on the Fuji was much, much, much harder than on the Redline.  Since I had not ridden it on any of our usual turf, I had nothing to compare it to, and simply did not notice the difference -- but sure felt it after Cross Vegas. Once I realized that I really DID work that hard at the race, I was pretty proud.  Once home we rode the rail trail, and I was finally able to compare apples to apples by riding a trail I knew well and knew I could ride -- and discovering truly how much hard the Fuji made me work. That'll make ya strong! Did we change it? You better believe it, sheriff.





Saturday, June 1, 2013

Pat and Jim Wright's Century Report


Santa Fe Century Ride May 19th, 2013

At 5:45 Sunday I checked the latest Santa Fe forecast and it looked promising. Zero percent chance of rain, seventy degree temperature and winds only up to 22mph. Next I looked at our outdoor thermometer and it read a reassuring 50 F. When I stepped outside to get our bikes ready I noticed how calm the morning was.
At 6:00 Pat my wife and I road over to SpinDoc to see who was there. We met two riders who were waiting for Kirk to go riding with him. I informed them that Kirk was leaving with a group at 7:00.  So the four of us got onto Interstate 25; once on the Highway we saw a long line of riders ahead of us. I wondered, how can this be it’s only a few minutes after 6:00 and just getting light. The line of riders ahead of us exited onto Old Pecos Trail and went towards St. Vincent Hospital where the official start of the Santa Fe Century is. Pat and I decided to skip the official starting point and coasted down Rodeo Road. We now felt the thrill of being on our way.
The first thing we noticed when we merged with the riders coming from the hospital was there were fewer riders than we saw last year. Also nobody was peddling outdated machinery as they sped along at a fast pace. I saw a lot more police stationed at hazardous intersections. This was reassuring for us because motorists behave better with a large presence of the law.
It was a perfect 31 miles to Madrid, and at the Madrid food stop we met up with some fellow riders who we trained with for the century with last year. The Madrid food stop is the most festive place on the entire ride. Nobody is tired yet and the town of Madrid is like no other, maybe in the whole country. It’s always tempting for me to stay too long just looking at the place -- which is not smart because we know on the day of the century time speeds up.
Fifteen minutes later we started plodding the five mile climb out of Madrid on Highway 14, going next to Golden, New Mexico. “This is one of the most dreaded parts of the trip,” one avid rider said. “I’ll only do this once a year.” From the top of the climb to Heart Break Hill was a lot of easy fast riding. At the Heart Break food stop we took a short rest and visited with some friends. Then we partly rode up the half mile very steep incline of Heart Break.
The ride to Cedar Grove was mostly downhill with a tail wind. This was fantastic until Kirk and Chandler passed us by just a few miles before Cedar Grove; we were then hit in the face with a wall of fast moving air.  By the time we inched our way into the Cedar Grove food stop, dust and sand were blowing over the trail mix and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches but no one seemed to notice or care. The good news was after we made our way out of Cedar Grove and turned left the wind was at our backs again all the way to Stanley. It was another fast, easy ride even though it was raining a little as we watched a gigantic dust storm underway to the north of us.
The Stanley food stop was a repeat of what we had in Cedar Grove so we didn’t spent much time visiting or eating dust-covered sandwiches. Upon leaving Stanley tumble weeds were blowing across the road and getting caught in riders’ wheels. Shortly out of Stanley there was a sign that read 18 miles to Galisteo. This was the most challenging part of the ride and when I forgot Chandler’s pace line rule, (don’t stop suddenly without signaling) Pat bumped into me and almost fell over while I was trying to grab the number off my helmet as the wind whisked it away.
It was hard to stay upright let alone make any time, and it was close to three o’clock when we reached Galisteo with the wind still howling. Pat and many others decided to call it quits and sag back. I decided to continue and this was the right decision. The wind riding out of Galisteo was at my back. I smiled to myself as I peddled along at a good clip watching a parade of vehicles passing me by and almost every one of them had a collection of bikes packed in them. When I made the turn onto 285 going north the wind was to my left and had subsided to about 15 miles an hour; there were no tumble weeds blowing across the road to dodge any more. I got back to Spin Doc at 4:25.