AHHHH!!!! The count down to day Zero is upon us! My first email went out at the end of October... and now I'm close to the end. Well, I take that back. I think this will be just the beginning. I've heard that the ride can really change your life. Who would have thought trying to help others can change your own life? Already I think I have changed a little bit. I feel the love and support from so many people throughout my life. Old friends to new friends, co-workers, family, and even a caring stranger or two have gave me the confidence that I can conquer this adventure and anything else that I put my mind to do.
I'm super excited because I'm just $230 short of my fundraising goal! Remember, if you donated to me in 2005, you can donate again for taxes in 2006! :o) Well, I'm sure you can donate twice in 2006 too, just ask my mom!
I'm making a sponsor shirt too... not exactly sure how yet so I'm sure it will be interesting. I want to be on my ride and be able to look down and read a name and say to myself... this mile's for you! Haha... ok... the next 10 miles! I'll try to update everyone on during the ride if I can and maybe one more time before I leave. I'll definitely have up a photo gallery of my time on the road. Until then... keep rolling!
PS... only $230 to go!
PPS... 8... 7... 6... ahhhh... 5... 4...
www.aidslifecycle.org/6053
You guessed it! I got special pedals installed on my bike. With these new pedals, come new shoes, 30% more efficiency and a lot more concentration needed! Every cyclist that I have talked to says that you fall at least once when you start using clipless pedals. Basically you are attached to your bike and have to kick your heal out to unlatch and put your feet on the ground. Sounds simple right? I thought so the first time we went out. Heidi and I both did wonderfully! Now, yesterday was a different story! Heidi did an acrobat routine over her bike and back up on her feet. She knew she was going down when she couldn’t get her foot out, so she decided to fall with style. Watching Heidi made me a little nervous, but I had faith in my skills. Yah… until I was at a stoplight, completely stopped with one foot on the ground and one foot clipped in. Somehow when I was trying to turn my bike around, I ended up on the ground. Skills, yah, my skills were lacking as I lied there and still with one foot clipped in and unable to unclip and get out to stand up. My faithful friend came to my rescue and I was back on my feet in no time. Falling wasn’t as bad as imagined. No bruising or scrapes, but heaven forbid, I did break a nail!
21 days until we hit the road! No clue where time has gone. Thank you for all your support. :o) You rock! I’m still $500 short. Can’t wait until I hit my goal (hint hint). 65 mile ride on Saturday and facing some hills. I’m excited more and more each day!
Keep rolling!