Since I haven't "ridden", seriously ridden, since high school, I really never thought that I would be doing this again. Age, health, time restrictions- all things that I figured would keep me from something I truly loved at one time. I have been shown that I, an obese dispatcher who smoked for 30 years, was in fact, able to get back on the bike. And ride.
Todd had everything to do with this renewed motivation. He rode 180 miles in 2 days. One-hundred and eighty! To me, that is unthinkable. I could never do that many miles in my lifetime, I thought. Then, I had my "ah-ha!" moment.
On September 19th, 2012, at 9:50 in the morning, I had found myself at Leroy Oaks Forest Preserve, suited up, and ready to ride. Goal: 28 miles. Weather reports were not promising: windy, gusts 10-20mph, mid 60's on the temps. It was sunny, which helped, and that also gave me some encouragement. But the wind? It didnt start until I parked my vehicle in the parking lot. "Great..." I thought, as I watched the prairie grass start to sway back and forth.
With stretching complete, I mounted, set my shoes on my pedals in the most comfortable position, since I dont have clips, and started off. The beginning was brisk, thanks to the wind. I curved my way around the paved begining, then up the hill to the crushed gravel trail. It was difficult to get moving at first, but I pushed through the difficult areas, keeping in mind that with each mile that passed, I was getting that much stronger.
The ride had been uneventful so far. The chipmunks and squirrels seemed to be sleeping in today. Only the early risers were scooting across in front of me. I was feeling the burn in my legs, as the wind was pushing me to the north while I was trying to go west. Why today? Why the challenge of pushing against the wind? I was really hoping this was going to be an easy ride.
As I approached the 10th mile, I seriously thought about turning around. I was getting hungry, hadnt brought any food with me, so the thought of turning around then was more and more appealing. Well, I didnt. I thought to myself, if I turn around now, then I wont be able to say " I rode 28 miles today". I felt that turning around at 10 would null the complete ride.
But I didnt turn around. I kept riding.
Mile 14, the end of the road- my "ah-ha" moment has arrived!
As I passed Sycamore Speedway, I knew I was getting close. The speedway, also known as Bob Jo speedway, a demolition derby track and redneck hang out, is about a mile form the western county line of Kane and Dekalb, so I knew I was getting closer to my goal.
Panting, fighting the wind, and feeling the pangs, I passed by the "Welcome to the Dekalb County Forest Preserve" sign that sits on the south side of the trail amongst some trees. I was approaching the end of the first half.
As the last few yards of gravel passed beneath my Panaracers, I saw my goal within reach. Closer the mile post marked with a number 14 on it was a welcome site. I had accomplished what I had set out to do. Finally, I can mark this off my list.
And now, I can honestly say that I rode 28 miles. Not almost. Not, I tried, but that I did. I was successful. I accomplished what I set out to do.
Ah-ha!
I can do this.
Again.
My other goal that day? Get back to the car as quickly as possible so I can eat! It wasn't smart of me to ride without any provisions, other than water, so I think next time, I will take some munchies with me.
Ready for round 2
Pumkin Pedal is a ride for the special olympics in illinois. They have different mileage rides, including the 28 miler I rode. My daughter and I have signed up. They have rest stops along the way, and I will be using those. This is a fun ride, not a race. This is a training ride, not a race. I look forward to meeting this training head on. Bring it on!
1 comment:
Woo Hoo! So proud! Great narrative, too!
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