I know, I know, this post comes after a long period of silence. There are many reasons for this including the fact that my computer froze and was unuseable for almost 2 weeks. Most of you would die without a computer for 2 weeks. I actually enjoyed the respite and not having work on the computer calling me. I am glad to have it back now and I am actually having positive feelings towards my computer.
I am also happy to have my husband back after he went to a wedding out of state that I couldn't make - too many dogs to dogsit for this weekend. Absence really does make the heart grow fonder. Just think of how fond my family will be after not seeing me for 2 weeks on the Bike Tour.
Thankfully, I have not been absent from bike training. In fact, today I accomplished a personal challenge that has haunted me for 15 years. When I was in my early 20's and was biking around northern NJ, I would regularly pass another rider who was likely in his 60's at least. One day we decided to bike together and he took the lead. I was quite confident knowing I bested him on youthfulness and was not concerned about my ability to handle anything he doled out. Things went well until 25 miles into the ride he made a right turn onto REA AVE - an unforgiving 1 1/2 mile upward climb, a road I would have never considered going up without a motorized vehicle. I thought he was joking or maybe he would turn down a side street a little ways up. Soon I realized he meant to climb all the way. Even with my best efforts, I found myself walking my bike up the hill watching a fading biker climb in the distance. I have swarn off that hill all these months of training, knowing I would one day need to avenge myself and conquer it. Today was that day. With the encouragement of my fellow Sea to Sea biker, Nancy Newenhuis (spelling?)who was visiting from Conneticut, we made short order of Rea Ave even after riding 35 miles.
I feel great to have beat the dreaded hill, but am ready to have some of those Sea to Sea Bikers who trump me in years leave me in the dust. I really do admire the gumption of those in your 60's and 70's who train and ride such a distance.
