Maricor, Neighbor

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Born in Quezon City, Philippines, the fourth of six children, Maricor came with her family to Southern California at age 7. After earning her degree at UCLA, she has worked as a graphic designer for companies such as Parsons, Health Net, Inc., Jacobs Engineering, Genworth Inc.. She has designed advertisement layouts for international and national magazines, newsletters and other hard copy marketing materials. Some would call this &#34;art&#34; but it does not really use much of the artist&#39;s creative instincts.<br> <br> Maricor pursues her second passion – cycling. Mari, acquired her Specialized 2011 Dolce Sport Double in the beginning of August 2012. She started training for 60-mile ride for ALS in Napa. After much training, her coaches suggested that she ride the Century (100 mile) ride.<br> <br> Her coaches smartly matched all training rides close to the elevation and distance of the Ride to Defeat ALS ride in Napa Valley. She also followed an weekly training grid for century rides.

Maricor enjoys the challenge when a practice ride is presented, sometimes. The training grid naturally becomes harder. She is tempted to drive her bike to the middle of the trek just incase she opts to finish early. She never did. Nor did she ever whine. She does make odd noises and some quiet cursing comments when climbs are high grades. Mari ultimately finishes each training ride.

With the Century behind her, Maricor still rides the hills of Palos Verdes, Santa Monica Mountains, San Gabriel Mountains and the streets with traffic and an occasional light ride with friends whom she has inspired to ride. <br><br>She is elated that she can be with others as she is directionally challenged. How can you get lost on PCH? How do you get off the beaten well marked river bike path of Long Beach, Maricor does. At least she likes doesn’t mind putting extra miles on her trek. Just don&#39;t ask her for directions.<br> <br> Maricor goes to City Hall. Recently, a friend asked Mari to attend the Los Angeles County Bicycle Association hearing at the Hall of Records in Downtown Los Angeles. Since then, she still is an avid cyclist but now a true bike advocate. She educates and encourages people to ride for health and do it safely. She starts with her kids who cycle to school. She is now in the process of fixing bikes and offering her services to schools. She will be promoting a “bike pool” one day where parents ride with their kids to school. Her goal is to lessen traffic and parking problems at South Pasadena schools. At the same time, giving kids and parents a safe route to take when no bike path is present.

Where from here? You’ll hear Maricor’s cycle adventures here and there. She has very amusing and adventurous rides. Watch out Los Angeles – you might see her ride with her tools to help those in need.