Tricia's Partial Mutterings

Headwinds!!! AHHH!

Hello out there! I'm back with an update! As I sit here, I keep trying to stretch out my legs because this last weekend was my HARDEST cycling experience to date!

Ever experience that good kind of pain? The kind when you worked out and you feel a little sore, or when your head hurts a little from completing a puzzle, or even after you had your braces tightened? The type of pain that reminds you of the satisfaction of something completed is the type of pain my legs are feeling right now.

Ok, ok... get to the story already... this weekend I rode by bike from San Diego to Santa Monica... yes... you read that right. It was a 170 mile ride over two days, a charity ride for Camp Laurel (www.camplaurel.org). The money raised helps kids infected and affected by HIV & AIDS go to camp. A dear friend of mine did all the fundraising and had a conflict arise and asked me to ride for him. I was super honored as well as super nervous.

The first day had its challenges. There was the Torrey Pines hill, sketchy road markings, a never ending camp ground and we even got to ride through Camp Pendleton as we watched the vultures circle above us. AHHHH! "We aren't dead yet!!"

Day two took us from Irvine to Santa Monica. On tired legs we booked it at 20 miles an hour into the first pit stop. We were rolling! Then we got into Long Beach. We could hear the Grand Prix cars revving their engines as we rode RIGHT past the front door of my apartment. After riding over 100 miles the thought of my bed and a hot shower was sooooooo tempting, but I resisted and gave a huge wave instead.

The first half of the day was beautiful. The second half challenged everything I had inside myself. We hit Palos Verde where we had a 5 mile climb. Then the headwinds came. Have you ever pedaled as HARD as you could going DOWNHILL and STILL couldn't get your bike to go faster than 8 mph? At the water stop, each rider rode up with some form of grunt about the wind. It was absolutely brutal!

As our day came to a close, I looked forward to the last 14 miles. We rode along the beach bike path from Redondo Beach to Marina Del Rey... and guess what? MORE wind! The winds were blowing so hard I felt like I was riding my bike horizontally! The sand felt like little needles on my legs as the wind pierced my skin. There were many times that the path wasn't visible at all because it was full of sand - damn HELLWINDS!

Somehow we pulled through the final day and I was proud to say that through all the mental and physical challenges that day, I never gave up. I was even prouder when a few of Camp Laurel's campers greeted me with smiles, energy, and a medal at the end of the ride. Together we formed a traditional Camp Laurel Wish Stick circle for closing ceremonies where stories were shared and wishes of a safe place for everyone were wished. It truly shows me that no matter what challenges we face, there are others out there struggling with the tribulations of life on a daily basis.

I officially passed my contribution level of last year! Please help me meet my goal and make a contribution to support my efforts. Your contribution is fully tax-deductible and will make a real difference in the lives of many affected by HIV and AIDS.

Keep Rollin'!

Happier Note...

Dang... you think my life was a roller coaster by the crap I post on here! Well... really, I don't have much to complain about. :o)

This weekend I am headed to San Diego to ride! San Diego to Santa Monica is apparently the harder direction to go... but I am looking forward to it! A friend Vince was originally going to do the ride, but had a conflict. He asked me to ride for him. Very sweet and I'm honored!

(PJ night at the ALC Office! Pam, Heidi, Vince & me!)

I didn't get in any training last weekend, but it was worth seeing my Liz and Andres getting married. Love you both! I also got a good look at the famous Torrey Pines hill we have to climb! AH!

I sit in front of my keyboard and stare blankly... there is so much that I want to get out and bleed all over the screen...

But then again...