As I mention on my fundraising page, I am a lover of
endurance sports—especially running (wait, I thought this was a cycling blog?).
In
college, I fell in love with running, participating in numerous 5Ks, 10Ks,
12Ks, two half marathons, and even a full marathon in Chicago. It was a way to de-stress,
build friendships, and keep me sane (at least I like to think it did). For the
past few years, however, my knees have decided (against my will) that they no
longer enjoy running.
While I’ve grumped my way through the last few years, because
my knees look like those of a 90 year old (according to one orthopedic surgeon.
Geez! Thanks, buddy!), I decided to change my tune. And my sport. I guess.
Upon starting a new job back in California, I connected with
a coworker who is an avid cyclist. Late last summer she mentioned The Leukemia
& Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training (TNT) as a great way to not only get
into cycling, but to help a wonderful cause—Raising funds to cure cancer!
First thought:
This sounds amazing!
Cancer has had a huge impact on my life—with my dad passing
away when I was 4 years old and several other close friends and family members impacted
by this nasty disease, the TNT experience seemed like a natural match.
Me and my dad, 1987
Then she mentioned we would be training for a ride around
Lake Tahoe. But not just any ride. A 100-mile ride!
What? One-hundred miles?! Up until
this point I’ve probably cycled 100 miles in my entire life!
Please see
timeline below:
1991—This was my
“ride around the block (not out of Mom’s site) while sporting a purple helmet, complete with Velcro cat ears (I know, pretty amazing), singing at the top of
my lungs for all the neighbors to hear” days. Or so the stories go...
1998—I had a bike.
One summer I lost my bike. So ended my adolescent biking days (Dang it!).
2010, Spring—Indianapolis.
I took my roommate, Alison’s, bike out for a spin one day while she wasn’t
home. The problem with taking your roommate’s bike while she isn’t home is that
she can’t tell you anything to “look out for” while riding. Like the fact that
her bike HAD NO BRAKES! I did not discover this minor detail until I was flying
down the sidewalk, with the canal (water!) on one side of me and frightened
pedestrians on the other. All while what was left of the bike’s brakes squealed
loud enough for Alison to hear from downtown, that I had, in fact, taken her gem-of-a-bike
without asking.
2010, Summer—After
my close call on the canal, Alison and I decided to get real bikes. We rode
quite a bit that summer, nothing too long or too fast, but man it sure was nice
to feel that sense of freedom a bike brings—minus the cat ear helmet.
2010 also brought
my first experience riding in traffic (the big leagues of cycling!) with my then friend, and now boyfriend, Joe. It was all leisurely, smooth riding. No climbing and no real descending whatsoever. After all, this was the middle of Indiana. Joe did a nice job of making sure I felt comfortable and had fun. Life was good (Thanks dude!).
2011, Spring—Longest ride to date
Destination: To feed Joe’s cats while
he was out of town
Distance: 22 miles
Partner in Crime: Nadia
Feeling: I’m the King of the World!
Whooo Ho Hooo! –Jack Dawson, Titanic, 1912
Back to present day
California...
Sure, 100 miles to help cure cancer sounds like a great way
to make new friends, get into cycling and really challenge myself. All while raising money to help
improve the lives of those who have been impacted by cancer.
Final decision:
Sign me up!
Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog. I hope to
provide some entertainment and inspiration throughout my training season.
Please take a moment to visit my Fundraising Page and
consider donating to a great cause
GO TEAM!
Man, that bike was a death trap!
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