Well... I was super scared to write this update because I felt like I let everyone down. This weekend I woke up and was ready to ride. I met with all the other Long Beach riders and we were off.
19 riders decided to do the long route with the hills... but then the heat hit, the wind pushed, and our numbers slowly dwindled. Every push and pull on my petal strained my legs and my confidence somehow became shattered. I felt defeated.
Only 5 of those 19 riders completed the hills. Some were beat by the heat and wind had to turn around like I had to do. Some changed their minds and did the shorter route.
There was no walks of shame because, not once were any of us unsuccessful. We ride because others can't. Sometimes we can't push our bodies as far as we hoped, but our hearts and minds know that the riding we do touches many. Through awareness, education, and determination we can make it.
As Lorri Jean, CEO at the LAGLC said, in June "Every one of the 545 miles we travel is not only a reminder that we are all living with AIDS, but also a rededication to the belief that there is no greater power than people collectively committed to making a difference in the world."
I put my money where my mouth is... I donated $1 for every mile I wasn't able to complete on Saturday. Please join me and donate what you can. Give me the renewed confidence to gather my strength to make a difference in the world.
Akkkk! Am I ready? This weekend I am off to conquer a few hills! Yes, you read that right... I, Tricia Mathis, will be getting up early on a Saturday morning (on purpose) to ride my bike 48 miles. I have never done this route, and I'm a little nervous, but I'll be thinking about every dollar I have helped raise with every push and pull on my pedal! Be part of my journey! It's a lot easier for you to write a check or fill out credit card information than it would be for you to ride with me... trust me, I'll find you a bike!
Well for those of you who were wondering how it went... it was great! We had 29 riders show up Saturday monring to ride from Long Beach to Balboa and back again. The trip was 35 miles and I think everyone had a great time. The best part was when the whole crew rode the ferry across together!
My first attempt at movie making... I'm sure I will get better... but it made me laugh. Thanks for all your support out there!