Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Party Before the Ride

I had my company name put on the bottom of my jersey since they donated $3434.00. I also had a dragonfly embroidered on the shoulder.

Friday the 14th, we had our "Bash", with all teammates before we leave for our ride on the 20th. The food was awesome, the company was wonderful and the energy high. Our team manager Kirsten distributed our jerseys and I have to say that my emotions were every where. I am a basket case because I am so nervous. Not worried... NERVOUS.
Jan & I with our mentor Gina.

Our last ride was Saturday the 15th. It was a short taper ride to the Range in Bernalillo for breakfast. Jan and I rode to the starting point and got in a few more miles in. Since I did not ride the week before I wanted to to have a longer ride to make myself feel better. It is amazing to think how far everyone has come. I remember when we had our first 30 mile ride and I thought I was not going to make it. Now 30 miles seems like nothing. I hope I feel this way on Saturday.
Please pray for every one's safety. I will be there with my pose... Frank and the girls. I can't wait to cross the finish line jump into their arms.

Us girls ready to ride...
Carla, Gina, LeeAnn, Jan, me, Tabitha, Elizabeth & Heather.
We are woman... Hear us Roar

Carla & Scott at the Range.


The best coaches ~ Ed & Debbie.


The team at the Range.


Gina & Jan


Elizabeth & Tom

Friday, November 7, 2008

To The Tunnels

The last couple of weeks have been hard on me because I have been sick. On Monday after our Tunnel Ride, I finally went to the doctor and found out I had a sinus infection and a double ear infection. I started taking meds this week and my ear infection is the only thing that has gone away. I have now developed a upper respiratory infection. I am panic mode because I only have two weeks until the ride and I feel like my body is not going to be ready. But, I also know that if I try and push myself too hard, I won't get better and be absolutely no good in Tuscon.

The decision I have to make is agonizing to some degree. My brain in saying you need to go and do the ride Saturday and do what you can. My body is saying stay in bed and do nothing. I have faith and determination that I will complete the ride, but the little voice of doubt is always there.

The Tunnel Ride
God knew we were going to be out riding on Saturday and privided us with a beautiful day. It was a bit chilly to start out with in the morning, but by the time we arrived at San Isidro it had warmed up nicely. We only stayed at San Isidro for a brief time so we could continue our journey through Jemez to the Gilman Tunnels. For some reason I though the turn off to the tunnels was only a couple of miles out of San Isidro. NOT. We rode Jemez road for about 10 miles and the hills were plenty. I was doing well until I down shifted to go up one of the hills and my shoe came unclipped. Yes, it was on the steep part of the hill and because I couldn't clip back in I stopped. Do you know how hard it is to start again going uphill? Needless to say, I walked my bike to little flatter place so I could start again. We rode through the Red Rock rest area and the smell of fry bread was enough to make me want to stop.

When we got to the turn off to the tunnels, Debbie had us get off the bikes and walk carrying them for a little ways. There are two dry river beds in Tucson we will have to walk through. The road to the tunnels was absolutely gorgeous... The leaves were changing colors all around us giving us a beautiful landscape to look at. We even ran into horses in the road "just hanging out". Nick showed me a tarantula crawling about. I also thought the road to the tunnels was a bit flatter. NOT. It was a gradual incline the majority of the way with a couple of steep hills in between. At the tunnels we were able to refuel and take pictures. Thanks to everyone for their support.

I definately want to do this ride again. And, this time without a sinus infection.













A river running through...

Walking the bikes.