Monday, August 25, 2008

The Agony of Defeat at 2.4 miles

This was the week I was bound and determined to complete the 60 mile ride. I wanted my odometer to read 60 miles. We were doing my favorite destination to date… Bernalillo to Algadones. The route was taking us through Algadones twice to get the mileage in. My husband and girls were following us in the SAG car. Bailey and MacKenzie were the best cheerleaders and Frank did a great job trying to keep track of three different groups of riders.

I felt good. I was drinking enough water. I ate my peanut butter and marshmallow sandwich I was jelling up. My cadence was about 15 miles per hour. I was on the home stretch when I heard pishhhhhh. Yes, a flat. No big deal because I had a spare tube. I called Frank and he came changed it for me and Debbie and I were off again. We were in the North Guadalupe neighborhood when I discovered I was having a hard time peddling. We decided that Frank hadn’t put enough air in the tire so we used a hand pump and taking turns, pumped it up. When we took the pump off the adjust-a-valve, it came off. No big deal, we had another tube. So, I turned the bike over took off the tire and Debbie and I started changing the tube again. For some reason we were struggling getting the new tube in the tire. We kept telling each other, “it shouldn’t be this hard.” It was so hot we were dripping sweat on each other. Once we got the tube in, we attempted to put the tire back on the bike before we pumped it up. Well, if someone had been watching us and recording, they would have won money on America’s Funniest videos. Somehow the chain ended up on the wrong side of the big ring, then, the back chain wouldn’t go through the back rings. Our hands were so black and we were both so frustrated.

I ended up calling the SAG back for me because we couldn’t get it. Then… a break through and we got the tire back on the bike. Yeah!!! All we had to do was pump the tire up. So there we went, taking turns with the hand pump. When we had enough air we pulled the pump off and guess what? The adjust-a-valve flew off again. By then the SAG was there, I loaded up my and bike and went back to the parking lot in total disappointment with only 2.4 miles left to go on my ride.

Lessons learned:
• I need to learn how to change a tire better
• Get Co2 cartridges for air
• Next time, find shade to change the tire
• Cursing your bike does not help
• Dripping sweat on someone doesn’t matter
• Zip all pouches on your bike before turning it over
• Don’t give up unless you HAVE to
• Sometimes God has a different plan for you – accept it

When I got home I tried not to be disappointed. I tried to rest but had too much adrenaline going on. Even though I technically didn’t finish, I know I would have.

I have a question for you. How do you handle disappointment?

Check out the pictures below.

Week 13

Monday, August 18, 2008

Week of reflection

It is amazing how the mind can make or break a ride. Once again I had a hard time sleeping on Friday night and the lack of sleep gave me a headache when I finally got up. The ride was taking us back to San Isidro on a 60 mile ride. The hills didn't bother me, but in the back of my mind I knew I had to go down hill. Most people cherish going fast down hill. I, on the other hand dread it. I actually think I made myself sick with the anticpation. When I got to the 30 mile mark, I got off my bike and hurled my breakfast.

I ended up in the SAG car back to my car. I had Tom drop me off at the gas station at the corner of 528 and Corrales road. I rode back sad and alone and contemplated why I was feeling so down. I knew why, but just didn't want to admit it. On my Week 7 blog entry, I wrote about a friend from church Ada Rae. Well, she passed away on Thursday and I went to the memorial service on Friday. While it was beautiful, it was also sad. My heart broke when I saw her husband walk hand in hand with their 4 year old son down the aisle. I know that she is in heaven and not in anymore pain. Apparently, her final days were difficult.

I thought about my own mortality. She was only 47, not much older than I am right now. How do you say goodbye to people you love when you pray for a miracle. I know her family will see her again when they reach heaven. I will always remember what someone told me. The only thing you can take with you when you die is your family. I know I will see my mom someday.

And, someday the big "C" will have a cure. I have to remember why I am riding. To find a cure for the big "C". My deamons will be met head on. Cancer patients do not give up, and neither will I.

Here is one of Ad Rae's favorite songs that was played at her service. I hope you enjoy it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IV9jiqS-74g

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Week 11 ~ Going to Hollywood Baby

Well, Hollywood Casino anyway...

I was a little nervous about the ride on Saturday. I missed the "hills" ride the week before and indulged during our vacation. I have a hard time sleeping the night before any of my rides and this week was no exception. Frank and I were alone. The girls were with my aunt since Frank had to work on Saturday. So we made baked potatoes and chicken for dinner and enjoyed the Olympic opening. I fell asleep at 10 but woke up at 12 and 5. Since I could't go back to sleep I stayed up and got ready for the morning.

When we got to the Alameda we had a special guest. Roy, a cancer survivor came and gave us a pep talk. He thanked us for our efforts and reminded of us that even though some of our rides may seem grueling at times it is nothing compared to fighting cancer. I remember when my mom was fighting cancer. The chemo and radiation were tough on her and I saw her whither a way before my eyes. I am riding to help eliminate the pain and suffering that cancer patients endure. I am riding to find a cure. I am riding to help the family left to remember their loved ones not feel a void. My mom was only 38 years old when she died. Thanks Roy for your courage to come and talk to us and congratulations on your remission. A great accomplishment.

The ride did take us to the San Felipe Casino. I felt pretty good on this ride. It was mostly flat and that helped me to gain some much needed confidence. This ride was about 53 miles. Sometimes it is hard for me to think that only 3 months ago I couldn't even go 20 miles.

Thanks to everyone who has contributed to my fundraising. I am half way there. Look for a couple of fundraising events to come.

XOXO


I made it to Hollywood.
Heather and I at a pit stop in Bernalillo.
The road from Bernalillo to Algadones.
The road from Algadones to San Felipe Casino.

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Week 10 ~

I missed the training ride this past Saturday. This was my families last chance to get away before school started. We had a great time visiting our very good friends in Colorado. We were able to float down a river, go to WaterWorld eat and drink lots of mojitos. I will be paying for my indulgences this Saturday. When we got back home the guilt started creeping up about the training I was not doing, so I did the stair machine for 30 minutes and rode the spin bile for 30 minutes. I will be doing it again tonight.

Stay tuned for pictures from the upcoming weekend when we go to the casino toward Santa Fe.