Killington Ride to Cure - Report

So, what do you pack for a late August visit to Vermont? The weather is as changing as the departures board at O’Hare. Temperatures can rise up in the 90’s or fall way down in the 30’s. And with tropical storm Danny approaching to confuse the fronts, Canadians, geese—oh yeah, and the weatherman—be ready for anything. I watched the forecast intently for the 10 days leading up to last Saturday’s ride and saw the prediction steadily deteriorate. I took a very full duffle bag of clothes to the airport.



I arrived in Killington via airplane and charter bus Thursday around 3:00 pm. Jessica, Braeden and Sarah, a family friend, were already on location. They were checking out Ben & Jerry’s headquarters. I was about to have fun, too.

I met several of the riders, volunteers and JDRF staff at dinner Thursday evening. It was here that I was officially adopted by the Loon-a-Tics from the Minnesota/North Dakota Chapter. The Loon-a-Tics came about their name quite creatively. The members of the chapter are primarily from Minnesota, whose state bird is the Loon. However, Minnesotans often quip that it “ought to be the mosquito, or even the tick” according to one of my new riding partners. So, these fine folks couldn’t resist the opportunity to be humorous, which, as it turns out, is something that remained true throughout the whole weekend.

Everyone participating in the JDRF Ride has a connection to Type 1 diabetes. Everyone has a personal and compelling story. There is a great catharsis that happens when individuals gather at events like this. People have common burdens, common fears, and an empathy that helps melt away pain and frustration. And in Killington we also shared a goal of curing this wretched disease that, so far, never goes away. Let the healing begin.

Friday began with a great breakfast followed by a check-out ride of only about 2 miles. It was important to make sure the bikes had traveled well and were still in tune after reassembly before setting off the next day on a very long ride. Friday’s weather was so nice that several of us thought we should go another 98 miles and put this one in the history books. By that time, the forecast was for 100% rain on Saturday. Friday ended with a great carb-loading meal of pasta dishes. We all headed to bed early.

Before we move on to an accounting of Saturday, I wish to mention the great surprise I received on Friday afternoon when I made a trip to my hotel room. I stepped off the elevator into the hallway and saw that several doors were decorated with handmade posters thanking and encouraging the riders. I turned the corner and saw that I had a poster, too! It was twice as large as anyone else’s and had tiny little hand prints on it. I soon saw that names were written inside each hand print and that the names were of Type 1 children from back home. This was a very touching moment. Someone went to a lot of effort to pull this off. The emotion of the moment overwhelmed me, and I sat down to weep. Thinking of all those kids who felt this ride was important lit my fire. Can we get on those bikes yet?

Saturday began with the alarm clock buzzing at 4:45. Luckily, the temperature never got as low as once predicted, just 6 degrees above freezing. It was 55 when I called up the weather report. Heavy rains were falling, and the wind tugged at the needles of every fir tree in sight. We anxiously ate breakfast and drank extra coffee while we waited to hear whether the start would be delayed. Then came the report: we would start at 8 o’clock, not 7. I went to my room and took a nap. At last it was time to face the elements. I strode out of the hotel at 7:20. I would not return for the next 10 hours.

You have never seen such a collection of chartreuse, yellow, orange, and every other manner of high viz colors as was assembled at the start line. There were some 360 riders standing astraddle their bikes waiting on the national anthem. Rain drops collided noisily with helmets, windbreakers and bike frames. When the music had played, the start was indicated, and an impressive wheeled column began snaking off into the murky stew of fog that blanketed the Vermont countryside. The Ride was on!

The start was fairly dangerous due to an initial steep decent, the close spacing of riders, and poor road conditions. Vermont, as I would gradually learn, has a devil of a challenge keeping their roads from cracking. I allow it is due to the extreme winters. Whatever the cause, long, inch-wide fissures open up in the asphalt and run in the direction of travel. They wait like thin-lipped monsters hoping to gobble up a cyclist’s narrow tires. Few escape once their tires fall into such an abyss; the outcome is most certainly a crash to the pavement. Aware that cycling rewards focus, I kept my attention on the broken road. Luckily, no one near me was involved in a crash.

The first 12 miles were mostly downhill. Too bad we’d have to ascend all of this later, I thought. Some of it was quite steep. The first break station was located near the bottom. I stopped to devour a bagel because breakfast suddenly seemed long time ago. The next dozen miles were plain running except for two short sections that were stripped of asphalt on either side of a bridge in a construction zone. I mused that this stretch of road was reduced to gravel to make us feel better about the portion that was actually paved. However, I was actually very grateful that this stretch could be navigated on the bike. A road crew was reportedly working into the night previous to smooth it out just for us; otherwise, we would have had to walk.

Jessica, Braeden and Sarah were working at the break station at mile 24, called Rochester. It was uplifting to see them. Braeden was on his way to becoming a mascot for this particular stop. He had an infectious gleam in his eyes and welcomed cold riders with his laugh. Several Type 1 riders came into this station throughout the day needing to borrow testing supplies. Often, their own supplies were waterlogged. So, Braeden would get to know these riders as they use his glucometer and test strips. I was suddenly very glad that Jessica, Braeden and Sarah had wanted to volunteer at a break station.

After a snack and refill of the bottles, I hugged my family and launched. The cyclists were spaced out well now, and I was hitting my stride. The road followed the floor of a long valley, and the miles melted quickly. I had to climb a small rise or two before the next stop at mile 31. It was on one of those short climbs that my front derailleur failed to work properly. It had succumbed to the paste of road grit and water that was quickly building up on everything. I wondered whether other parts of my bike would slowly quit functioning as the grime further accumulated.

There was a nice break station located at mile 42. I ate and refilled bottles while a mechanic sprayed some lubricant on my derailleurs. I stayed a moment too long and got cold. But, the hills that dominated the next several miles promised to warm me up. Boy, they were steep. The course this year was essentially a 50-mile out-and-back. And, while it stands to reason that nearing the halfway mark of a long ride would be encouraging, I felt quite discouraged Saturday. I found myself at the low point in terms of energy on those tall hills. Further, I was as far away from the finish line as possible. And, suddenly the roads were empty of other riders. It simply got lonely. But fortune wouldn’t turn her back on me! There was a bombing downhill run to reward me for the hard work, and it lead straight to the rest stop at mile 57. There I had a bottle of Cytomax, which is most nearly the equivalent of human rocket fuel. Within 10 or 15 minutes I was moving much better and no longer watching for circling buzzards.

I motored on swimmingly (it was still raining) and paused only briefly round mile 69 for more drink and food. Quickly, I found myself at Rochester once again. This time the Rochester stop welcomed riders in grand fashion. There were 6 or 7 ladies lined up like so many Rockettes doing high kicks and chanting “J-D-R-F!” They wore street clothes, except one, who was wearing a hula skirt and coconut shell brazier over her warmer garments. Others lining the road had cow bells and horns. Each rider was received in a wonderful blanket of cheers. What a boost to the tired spirit! Plus, the whole thing looked hilarious and made me laugh. Jessica, Braeden and Sarah were still serving at this stop when I passed through. I loved this surprise. They mixed up some more human rocket fuel and sent me on my way. Only 24 miles to go!

My right knee began to complain about all the hard work and gave me something new to think about before the 12 mile climb to the finish. After a final snack at mile 88, it was time to assault the 1,200 foot ascent to the end. It got steep at times, but only twice did the pitch really push the limits of enjoyment. It was about 4 o’clock when I made the approach to the finish line. A huge gathering cheered, whistled and clapped as each rider rode into the parking lot and across the finish line. Some riders were crying. All smiled and laughed. What a ride. What a wonderful experience.

I covered 100.85 miles in 6 hours, 48 minutes and had a blast every second of the way.

Saturday’s ride was followed by a fun celebration dinner of hamburgers and hot dogs. It was a nice way to end a great weekend. Sunday was a travel day. Noteworthy was the loss of the left engine on the plane taking me from Philly to Greenville, SC after we reached cruising altitude. We diverted to Richmond, VA. USAir flew an empty plane up from Charlotte to pick up the stranded passengers and ferry us on to GSP. The crew and USAir have my appreciation for the fine job they did getting us down and home safely.

At this point, I am left reminiscing about the Ride and considering the possibilities for next year. I absolutely do want to participate in the Ride again. It was such an awesome experience. And all the effort is for a cause that is very important to my family.

I truly can’t thank my donors enough for the contributions they made. Like I have said before, you are essential to this endeavor. The progress you are helping make toward finding a cure to Type 1 diabetes is so deeply appreciated. Thanks for following my progress and cheering me on. I am proud of what we have accomplished.

Down to the Short Rows

Only 18 days are left until the Ride to Cure Diabetes. I'm a little sad that we are nearly finished with the lead-up. I have only one training ride planned in the Tri Cities, and I will bike this weekend in Chicago while on vacation. That's it...then it is time to ship the bike. All that is left is to grow my hair out for the Mo!

Though the fun of the last few months will be missed, it will be awesome to roll off that start line and take on the final aspect of my goal. With God, anything is possible. I have Him, and all of you. I will draw on all of the words of encouragement you have shared as I climb the mountains and fight through the fatigue. I did on my 60- and 68-mile rides recently. I already know that you are as much a part of what I am doing as the cranks, gears, and chain. That is to say, you are essential on this endeavor.

It is true that I have grown through this experience and improved physically so that I am now in the best shape of my life. However, alone, I am still inadequate. With your help, dozens have united for one cause, raised nearly $5,000, and given Braeden and millions of others a leg up on Type 1 Diabetes. I could never tell you how happy that makes my family feel. Maybe you already know. I hope so. And, I hope you recognize the difference you are making.

THANKS, and stay tuned for reports from Killington, Vermont!!!

Pain vs. Fear of Pain

I knew it would eventually happen. And, in a way, I thought it would come as a bit of relief when it finally did occur. Now, I can say in fact that is the case. My first bike crash was not bad. I wasn't hurt, and neither was the bike. But, I had been anticipating it for the past 700 or so miles. And that was bad. Now that's out of the way, I think I will relax a little.

Dude, it happened fast. It was just the result of a careless wiggle of the handle bar. No dog, other bike, vehicle, or gravel was involved. I allowed my front wheel to wander a little as I shifted my grip on the handlebars. There was no shoulder on this stretch of road, and my wheel dropped off that precipitous ledge that divides the path of iron steeds from the rug of rain damp weeds. Too bad, Allen. Your fate is sealed; the die is cast.

The last wiggle had me leaning a little to my left, and soon my center of gravity drifted where my tires could not follow. My left pedal made contact with the ground first. My helmet hit last. 12 mph to zero in about 2 feet. Skin and cycling clothes make great for a fast halt on pavement. However, my gloved hands were spared from cuts, and the abrasion on my knee will be healed by Monday. My sore shoulder should be just fine by mid week. Glad it wasn't worse.

Anticipation often is more intense than the trauma itself. I see it a lot while raising our kids. It happens every "set change," where we have to replace the infusion tube that delivers insulin under Braeden's skin. He cries or is anxious when he is aware that it is time and frets throughout the 3 minute process until the delivery needle is withdrawn. Indicating, however, just how little discomfort is really involved, Braeden launches right back into play without limping or nursing his bum. It's just part of diabetes. And like my crash, the experience us a little wiser and thankful it is not worse.

Shirt Design Preview

Hello, all. JDRF has sent me a proof of my jersey for the Killington ride. It is adorned with the JDRF logos and has my sponsors' names on the back. I hope no one minds...I asked to have

my top donors listed on the shirt. Space limitations prevent all of my donors' names from appearing. It will be great having the names of so many friends an coworkers riding with me those 99.46 miles in August.

Training is progressing a bit slow for my tastes. Between travel, family obligations and nursing my knee, I have only managed 4 rides this month. However, I have now put almost 600 miles on my bike, and my longest ride to date is 48 miles. I need to be up to 75 miles in 1 month in order to stay on track. If my knee cooperates, I feel this is very do-able.

The route has been posted on the JDRF site. It was a long time coming. I have attached an image of the route from mapmyride.com. Check out the elevation profile. Oh, mama! The last 11 or 12 miles are going to be a test!

Knee Pain

Well, I have hit a bit of a frustrating point in my training. And I think it all began over a desire to have some really sexy road bike shoes. There could be a lesson in all of this. But right now I'm too busy to admit it.

I have been riding with a pair of mountain bike shoes and pedals that I purchased roughly a decade ago. They work great, actually. I got the idea of "upgrading" to road shoes and pedals, however, since it got hot. That ride in the rain also factored in. I estimated that road shoes would be cooler and not fill up with as much water when it did rain. Other folks claimed I would benefit from the stiffer footbed and lighter weight, as well. Two ebay purchases later and I'm holding some really nice pedals and shoes.

So, my first ride with the new pedals was a 48 mile jaunt last Saturday. I knew something was not right when, 4 miles into the trip, my left knee began to mumble in discomfort. Within 10 more miles, I admitted to my riding partner that my knee "hurt." And, before the ride was out, the pain was really significant. Great first outing with my new kicks, huh?

Well, I have been to a couple of local bike shops, consulted with experienced cyclists, and researched quite a bit on the internet. So, I am completely qualified to start guessing at how to change my setup in order to address the pain. There are no less than a dozen variables: seat height, lateral/medial cleat position; internal/external cleat rotation; varus/valgus forefoot cant; etc. I endeavored to ride a bit yesterday to see if some of the first adjustments made a difference. Not really. Keep guessing, that is my plan.

Wish me luck. In the mean time, I'm going to keep a positive attitude about this new purchase. Afterall, those shoes really are awesome!

Nearing the Achievement of my Goal

Folks, we have almost done it. You have nearly raised $4,200 for Braeden and JDRF! There are not many things I can to do express my gratitude for the contributions you have made. Braeden's life is so dramatically affected by diabetes. Your donations to JDRF are personal and moving to me.

I set out a few weeks ago to put together a slide show that at once helps raise awareness of type 1 diabetes and thanks the many individuals who have helped me get so close to my 2009 Ride goals. That slide show is posted below. This video was first shown two Friday's ago at a benefit dinner for the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes team The Braeden Bunch; it was a hit. Thank you for everything you have done to make an improvement of the lives of those with type 1 diabetes.

Allen

Rain = Slower, Cooler

Both yesterday and today I rode a portion of my distance in the rain. This is a first for me, and I'm glad it finally happened. Since there is no guarantee that the weather will be nice on Ride Day, being familiar with riding in weather, including wind, rain, and cold, gives me some confidence.

What did I learn? Staying cool is no problem when riding in the rain. Visibility is reduced quite a bit due to water droplets on glasses and the tendency to squint through the spray. Shoes get heavy once they are waterlogged. Cold rivulets probe your neck and back. The normal sounds of the bike are muffled or inaudible altogether, drowned out by the report of a million rain drops on the road, trees and rider. The water on the road and the extra weight on the bike act like a brake, slowing acceleration and dropping the top speed by a few mph.

Maybe we should all hope for some nice weather on 29 August in Killington!

A Bug's Life

Two quick updates about the fundraising effort before a short account of recent training:

(i) Today you helped me reach 90% of my fundraising goal!!! There is less than $400 to go. WOW!

(ii) I will be sending a detailed email update to my d-list in the next several days that will include a link to a cool video I think you'll like. It highlights Braeden's experience with diabetes. I am excited about finishing the production and rolling it out to you.

Rides last month and in April have been great. The warmer weather really has spoiled me. I don't look forward to 90 degree temperatures, but I also think I would struggle in those 40 degree days I experienced in winter. Maybe these moderate days will last another full month or two.

With all of this moderate weather, I am getting a nice cycling-short tan. You know the one...everything north of the top of the knee is snow white. There are sharp lines that betray the happy homes of my shorts cuffs. I guess it beats a farmer tan. Like I say, there is a lot more sun with this better weather, but that is not all.

Now there are bugs, too! Holy heck, let me tell you how tough your car windshield is. It takes neither much speed nor size for a bug to leave a mark. And, a big bug--say a bumble bee--at 34 miles per hour can crater the flesh. It is very important to wear glasses while cycling for obvious reasons. But who knew that you needed a grille, too? Oh yeah, those little winged critters jet through the air intakes, too! And since I am most often breathing like a 747 at take-off, often the first indication of a breach is the sensation of a pointy little insect ricocheting off my uvula or rattling down my trachea. These little things get netted in my helmet, too. Heimlich the Beautiful Butterfly may be minding his business flitting around the north-bound lane one minute and then trying to figure out how to escape a maze of impact foam through a vent on my hat the next. So far, no humble bumble has gotten hung in the attic and tried to sting its way out. However, I think that will happen very soon.

Here's to creepy things on your scalp and warm sunshine! Thanks for the continued support, and be on the lookout for that video soon!

Nice Weather and Good Riding

All the good things about Spring seemed to arrive at once this year. Daylight savings time was brought out of exile as the warm weather sneaked, if for a moment, out of the southern hemisphere. The pears are beginning to blossom in the back yard. Winter's bitter varnish is yielding to more than the sun's golden bomardment; it's brittle shell crazes with the thundering of a thousand bicycle tires. Yes, the cyclists have taken to the roads.

Last week, I climbed astride the saddle for three rides and amassed about 65 miles. Previously, I rode this much in two to 3 weeks' time. I hope to increase my distance quite a bit over the next month.

I had a great conversation with the JDRF national coach a while back who provided some great advice. He encouraged me to ride about 500 miles of long, steady distance (LSD) over a two-month period. Then, he said I should vary my rides each week in this pattern: (1) Tuesday interval ride; (2) Thursday pace ride; (3) Saturday LSD ride. I should shoot for roughly this breakout on distances: Tuesday, 1/6 weekly mileage; Thursday, 1/3 weekly mileage; Saturday, 1/2 weekly mileage. By August 1, I will be on track if I can comfortably ride 75-80 miles.

Changing gears a little, my fundraising reached $3,000 last week. This was a major milestone for me, and it gives me reassurance that I can reach the required $4,200 even in these tough times. I continue to be humbled by my friends and colleagues who give selflessly for this great cause. No recession appears ready to stop you. Amazing. Thank you.

Having a Blast

It is time I admit how much fun I am having getting ready for the JDRF ride. Part of it is the better weather. Part of it is my improving comfort and stamina. Whatever the reason, jumping on the bike for training rides has become a blast!

And, I ought to have a contest to see who can come the closest to guessing the number of dogs that will chase me next month without going over. Why the heck do dogs chase bicyclists anyway? It is amazing. I figure I must look like fleeing prey. But, maybe it's something else like the irresistable allure of whirring wheels or a John Travolta/Archangel "Battle" thing like from the movie Michael. What self-respecting terrier could face his mutt friends if he passed on an opportunity to topple the Great Wheeled Biped? I'm sure the dogs in my neighborhood dream about mixing it up at the Tour de France.

Regarding training, the JDRF folks have advised me they are going to put me in touch with the national coach for some expert guidance on the right way to do things. This will coincide nicely with longer days and more frequent suitable riding weather. I should have ample opportunity to get properly conditioned by August for the century ride barring injury or other setbacks. Through now, I have thoroughly checked out my equipment and gotten in better physical form so as to be ready for the serious work.

And, now it's off to the pantry for a snack. You gotta fuel the fire if you want to outrun those dogs. Quoth the canine, "Battle."

First Month of Fundraising

"It is more blessed to give than receive." --Jesus Christ

What an amazing group of people! I've rarely been so touched by generosity. Never have I experienced anything of this magnitude. What we are doing together is among the greatest of thrills. I am grateful for the way you have offered your support at my urging for a cause mostly unknown to many of you only a few weeks ago.

The 19th of February will mark the first month of my fundraising effort. Already, 60% of the goal has been realized. This is, quite simply, WONDERFUL! Benjamin Franklin is purported to have remarked, "...The heaviest debt is that of gratitude, when it is not in our power to repay it." I feel that kind of debt to my team of donors. Though their contributions are not meant for me, my dream is being realized through their generosity. I will keep riding and preparing, taking my goals seriously, and thoroughly enjoying being a part of something so positive.

Thank you, everyone. I am truly grateful for a wonderful start!

Allen

Super Sunday Ride

The weather was awesome for riding today. 54 degrees, mostly sunny, and mildly breezy. From the forecast, I knew it was time to take off the fleece and plan a longer ride. Today I tracked down 33 miles of asphalt and beat the low energy gremlin that plagued me on a 28-mile ride in early January. And, instead of returning home on my route, I met Jessica and the boys at Willow Spring Park, which made the outing even more cool.

Braeden's new pump arrived and his sugars have been better since my last post. Nothing specific about the pump was ever found to be at fault. However, the blood sugar readings say something is not right. When blood sugars start to spiral out of control with a pump, there is a pretty long list of things to check: wobbled up infusion set; air bubbles in the cartridge or tubing; did the 4-year old let the diabetic drink his chocolate milk, etc. So we have to be thorough before we blame the $6,000 pump built like a flight data recorder. Hey, it turns out stuff breaks. It's all part of being dependant on a mechanical device.

Tough Day with Diabetes

While most days are business as usual with Type 1 diabetes, occasionally something flies in from the back of the room to knock you off balance. Today, Braeden's pump failed, probably. This is the fourth or fifth pump that has likely failed. It always starts with a high blood sugar reading. His normal range is 125 +/- 20 mg/dL. His breakfast check yielded 348.

When the body has consumed all of its insulin, the cells do not have a way to extract the sugar from the blood stream and convert it to energy. So, the blood sugar concentration increases unchecked. At this point, the affected person is feeling very poor and lethargic. Not because the blood sugar is high, but because the cells are starving. The cells still need energy, so they start to tap stored reserves of fat and protein. The chemical process that ensues creates byproducts including ketones. (Anyone out there ever try the Atkins diet?) Ketones are poison to the body and are measured on a funny scale: NONE, TRACE, SMALL, MODERATE, LARGE, EXTRA LARGE. At breakfast, Braeden's ketones were already LARGE.

This scenario happens from time to time even when the pump is operating well. But, it is a lot harder to fix with a broken pump! So, here is a snapshot of Braeden's blood sugar throughout the day. The red lines mark the upper and lower limits of his target range.


We turned the pump off and started using a combination of NovoLog and Lantus injections by syringe at 5:00 PM. A new pump should arrive via overnight mail sometime tomorow. But the damage is done. Braeden suffered through the swings all day, had LARGE ketones twice, and now has stayed low for several hours despite taking in lots of carbohydrates. Like they say, insulin therapy is not a cure, and this illustrates why.

Thank you!!!

I owe several individuals a HUGE thank you! Just two days into the fundraising effort, my friends have helped me raise nearly 30% of the goal. This is the power of many. However, it begins with an individual decision. Do you want to join us?

The generosity and concern people have shown is amazing. I appreciate the donations; they are what power JDRF. I appreciate the encouragement; it is what powers me.

IT'S OFFICIAL!

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Ride to Cure Diabetes 2009

JDRF Ride registration opened today! I signed up for the Killington, VT ride that will be held on Saturday, 29 August. I am so stoked! I am also a little nervous...I have to raise $4,200!

You will be able to keep up with my preparation and training on this blog. And, my fundraising page is hosted at ride.jdrf.org. The JDRF website also contains a lot of information about the ride, Type 1 diabetes, and the search for a cure.

To my mind, this effort has two objectives: 1) raising money to fund JDRF research intiatives, and 2) raising awareness about diabetes. I encourage each of you to learn more about diabetes, its treatment, and its implications. While most of us are safe from Type 1 diabetes, studies indicate a whole bunch of us will have to deal with Type 2 diabetes. And, while they are definately not the same, both types can cripple our bodies, destroy our senses, and derail our aspirations. In that regard, learning about diabetes in order to make better health choices will benefit us all. And your support for the Ride will benefit those who are facing a remarkably challenging disease every hour of every day, those who hope that a cure will spare them the full toll waged by Type 1 diabetes.

As it is for me, some of you will find that this Ride and your support of it will be very personal. I am crazy about my sons. So it is an easy decision to do something like this for Braeden. By getting your help, I can join hundreds of other cyclists to support the research that will one day cure my little boy.

If you feel lead to contribute, please know that I am deeply grateful for your sacrifice. Now may be one of the toughest times to ask folks to part with money. That is one reason why every donation is significant and precious. And it is one reason why your act of giving will be so rewarding. But perhaps the most rewarding part of all is that you will be doing something wonderful to help a beautiful 2 year-old rediscover the carefree wanderings of childhood.

Thanks from me and my family,
Allen

JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes Update

I spoke last week to the JDRF Ride Coordinator about when registration would open for the 2009 rides. She indicated that it would only be a couple more weeks. I am waiting to seriously broadcast my fundraising efforts until I am registered for the Ride, because that is when I can build a fund raising page on jdrf's website and really get the machine running.

Presently I am planning to ride in the Killington, Vermont 105 miler. This is a new location for a JDRF ride. It is also the only ride in the eastern half of the States. Jessica and Braeden are tentatively planning to accompany me and cheer me on. It will be great to have them at the start line. It would also be great for Braeden if he could understand why those hundreds of cyclists will be cranking their way out of the gate! That will be a sight.

Stay tuned because I think it will be only a matter of days until my first Ride for the Cure campaign is officially underway!

Winter Doldrums

It has been a long week in terms of weather. We've had all the major forms of liquid precipitation: the "cats & dogs" stuff, frog chokers, gulley washers, and--just once--il pleut comme vache qui pisse, which really is less common outside the Loire Valley. So, I've been parked inside. Which brings me to wonder, what do you folks do for excercise and fun when its too bad to get outside?

I could hit the gym, play some pick-up b-ball games, or walk between the deluges on my lunch break (which I often do anyway). None of those are really me, however. So, I'd appreciate your tips!

If you find some sunny days, send them my way...8 days off the bike is way too long!

Long(er) Ride Today

I set out today to ride a little bit longer than before. On a nice loop through Telford and down to the Nolichucky river, 28 miles of rolling pavement take you past beautiful farmland to vantage points where you can see the big mountains on the NC/TN border. This would be my longest ride since a Virginia Creeper Trail trip with Jared some years ago.

Wow, I felt great until about mile 21 when I became very hungry. I felt sapped the rest of the trip. Energy for the longer rides may be my most urgent problem to overcome at this point in training. All-in-all, though, this was a great experience and gave me some "distance confidence." Mechanical note: it is apparent that I need to replace the front derailleur, which is temperamental and picks the worst times to not work properly.