Every year I make this big production of out of my New Years' Resolutions. I have goals and resolutions and post them everywhere! Every year I seem to get disappointed. I plan to revisit the 2010 New Years Resolutions at another time but not today.
Here's what I have learned from this year:
1) Just because someone has labeled you as a runner, cyclist, brat, etc, etc. That doesn't mean that is what you are. I don't mean that badly. I mean you are so many other things. There is no ONE label that defines any of us. Some people would call me crazy (and well, maybe I am) but my mom would call me interesting. Some people would call me a cyclist and others would call me crazy. Whatever your label doesn't mean that is all you are.
2) Sometimes stuff happens. Like the wise Forrest Gump said, "Life's like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get." Truer words have never been spoken. When I was young, I had a vision of my life but my life has turned out completely different. Why? Because stuff happens and you change course.
3) Relationships change. Not always for the bad and not always for the good and sometimes they just change. We could sit for hours and try to figure out why. Sometimes they just change. People change and we change. It doesn't mean you don't love or care about those people any less.
4) Being thankful is really the best way to go. This year I have spent a lot more time being thankful than I can ever remember. I am thankful for so many things, just to name a few - a husband who thinks I'm crazy but loves me more because of it, a mom and stepdadwho love me and support me, an older sister who has had a different life than me but now I feel closer to her than ever, in-loves that I have gotten to know much more this year, and some friends that take wonderful care of me even though sometimes that is a FULL time job!!
5) All those things we optionally put in front of our family sometimes really just are not worth the love of your family and friends.
6) This is not something I have just learned but something I am even more aware of...going to church makes you are Christian just as much as being in the garage makes you a car or Jeep. It's your actions. It's your appreciation for what God has given us. Today, I rode my mountain/cross bike in the snow. I felt closer to God and thought more about the gifts I have been given than I have ever done in church. Now, now, I'm not saying going to church is not important, it is. Often, I refer to my friend, Lee's, bumper sticker, JUST BE NICE and I think that is what God wants for us to do. Be nice. Smile at the salesperson at Target or gate guard, say thank you and please, do the right thing even though you don't want to. Yes, this is super simplistic but I don't think things always have to be as complicated as sometimes I make them.
7) Have BIG goals but make sure they are achieveable even if they take ALOT of work. Here's the thing, I am all about dreaming and having dreams and goals. I'm great at it. I know if someone didn't dream up the car, we would still be running around on horses and stuff. I also know that a dream without a plan is just a wish. What does that mean? To me, it means that have a plan to get to your dream/goal. This sounds negative and I don't mean it that way but sometimes we have these unreasonable dreams and we get so disappointed when we don't achieve them. It actually makes everything worse. So, dream as BIG as you want and then make a plan to get there!!!
8) God allows u-turns, detours, and sometimes speeding and going too slow. In May, I was attacked by a dog. I have several scars from it (inside and out). When this happened, I tried to figure out why and then I felt I was given a second chance at life but I wasn't doing anything with it. I got really really sad and depressed. I couldn't ride my bike as much because I hurt and I couldn't do this or that. Finally, after MONTHS, I figured out yes, God allows detours from what I thought I should be doing. There's some plan but sometimes stuff happens.
9) Change is good. It's hard. It's not always fun but it is good in the end.
10) Finally, the biggest thing I think I have learned this year. Mary J. Blige sings a song called "Just Fine." My favorite line in this song are "So, I like what I see when I'm looking at me when I'm walking by the mirror. " This is for everyone but especially women. Like what you see when you look in the mirror. We can always find flaws in our appearance. My legs are flabby, I spend too much time in the sun, I drink too much wine and eat too many carbs, I need to lift more weights...and on and on and on. Oh, and people love to tell you all about your flaws...you are so slow, your legs are so big, you are such a brat, your time at Ironman was so slow - couldn't you go faster, you are this and that. But if you can look in the mirror and like YOU for who you are then that is what is really important. When I look in the mirror, yes, I still see my flaws but I also see a person who is cute, fun, affectionate, funny, sarcastic, has a bum that looks GOOD in some jeans. I see a person who loves her husband, her mother, stepdad, sister, nieces and nephews, in-loves, friends, family. I even see what people think are my flaws and I turn them into good things like...You're legs are so big...yes, they are. However, those legs have pedaled almost 8000 miles this year, taken me through 6 Ironman races, have carried me when my head would have quit. So, while I would like them to be thinner and more muscular, I am very thankful for those legs. DO IT...look in the mirror and see past what you see as flaws and like you. You are beautiful, sexy, hot, handsome and someone loves you!
Oh, last but not least...RIDE YOUR BIKE! It's good for your mind, body and soul. You don't have to go fast and you don't have to have the most expensive stuff either.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
A Name Change...
So...I changed my blog name to RideYourBike. Why? Well, I haven't been Iron Tri Chick in almost 2 years and I am really okay with that. Riding my bike is my thing lately. Maybe I'll go back to be a triathlete or runner or maybe not.
My friend, Ginger, started her blog and that reminded me about my blog and it's fantastic (as she is). I haven't regularly posted in a long time but I think I will start again.
Here is my little tidbit of wisdom...life is about change. Things change every day. We change too. Hopefully for the better! I've changed too in the past few years. Things that used to be SO important to me a few years ago are not now. I have noticed since I am nearing a birthday close to 40 but still a few years away, I am much more philosophical and relaxed. I don't take things so seriously. I think that is good. Some days I wish I was more focused and more determined but most days I am a-okay with being laid back. Here's what I have learned from that...it's much more fulfilling to share something you love with other people and if that means riding at 10 mph and having someone to learn to love cycling then I am all for that. If it means not being so focused that you miss the really important stuff then I am okay with that. If it means it is okay to take a week off to go to Las Vegas with your spouse and favorite friends, I'm okay with that too. If it means being able to change ride plans and not freak out, I'm okay too. If it means smiling more and laughing more...
Another thing I have learned is that people you love are not always here. They might die or they might just be distracted or gone. It doesn't mean you love them any less, it just means they are not here. Here is the thing I will tell you to do today...tell the people you love that you love them. Yes, I'm a softie and super affectionate. Saying the words I love you to a person you care about, whether it is your spouse, family or friend, could be all the difference. I try to hug my friends when I see them. It's important. I'm thankful to my mother for that. She is always affectionate to my sister and me and we never doubt for a second that she loves us. And honestly, I never doubted that my dad loved me either. I'm lucky that way...I have 3 parents that love me and show me affection...my mom, my dad and my step-dad. I am truly blessed.
Today, I realized something else. Being closer to 40 than I would like to be (shut up older people...I know, I'm still young and HOT), I realized that the relationship you have with your spouse is probably the most important relationship you will ever have. No, I am not taking away the relationship you have with your parents, children, or siblings but I am saying that is the person you are connected to, maybe not by blood but by love. This is the person you share your life with, your dreams with, your hopes, your fears...etc, etc. So, here is my advice on that...talk to your spouse and really really really listen to them. Don't ever let them doubt for one iota of a second that you love them. They will teach you about yourself and life and sometimes have a whole different perspective on things that you never thought of. Fortunately, I am lucky...I have the person that is my soul mate but sometimes it takes a few trys.
A friend of mine, Lee, has a bumper sticker on her car...Just Be Nice. Good advice and that's the closing of my infinite wisdom. Just be nice...smile when you don't want to, be nice to the sales clerk when you are tired of waiting in line, if you are in a bad mood then be nicer, don't take stuff so seriously, realize that you have NO idea what other people are going through.
So, in the spirit of change, I hope you change the things you want in 2011 but keep the wonderful person you are because you are indeed wonderful. Merry Christmas. And yes, remember the reason for the season...Jesus.
My friend, Ginger, started her blog and that reminded me about my blog and it's fantastic (as she is). I haven't regularly posted in a long time but I think I will start again.
Here is my little tidbit of wisdom...life is about change. Things change every day. We change too. Hopefully for the better! I've changed too in the past few years. Things that used to be SO important to me a few years ago are not now. I have noticed since I am nearing a birthday close to 40 but still a few years away, I am much more philosophical and relaxed. I don't take things so seriously. I think that is good. Some days I wish I was more focused and more determined but most days I am a-okay with being laid back. Here's what I have learned from that...it's much more fulfilling to share something you love with other people and if that means riding at 10 mph and having someone to learn to love cycling then I am all for that. If it means not being so focused that you miss the really important stuff then I am okay with that. If it means it is okay to take a week off to go to Las Vegas with your spouse and favorite friends, I'm okay with that too. If it means being able to change ride plans and not freak out, I'm okay too. If it means smiling more and laughing more...
Another thing I have learned is that people you love are not always here. They might die or they might just be distracted or gone. It doesn't mean you love them any less, it just means they are not here. Here is the thing I will tell you to do today...tell the people you love that you love them. Yes, I'm a softie and super affectionate. Saying the words I love you to a person you care about, whether it is your spouse, family or friend, could be all the difference. I try to hug my friends when I see them. It's important. I'm thankful to my mother for that. She is always affectionate to my sister and me and we never doubt for a second that she loves us. And honestly, I never doubted that my dad loved me either. I'm lucky that way...I have 3 parents that love me and show me affection...my mom, my dad and my step-dad. I am truly blessed.
Today, I realized something else. Being closer to 40 than I would like to be (shut up older people...I know, I'm still young and HOT), I realized that the relationship you have with your spouse is probably the most important relationship you will ever have. No, I am not taking away the relationship you have with your parents, children, or siblings but I am saying that is the person you are connected to, maybe not by blood but by love. This is the person you share your life with, your dreams with, your hopes, your fears...etc, etc. So, here is my advice on that...talk to your spouse and really really really listen to them. Don't ever let them doubt for one iota of a second that you love them. They will teach you about yourself and life and sometimes have a whole different perspective on things that you never thought of. Fortunately, I am lucky...I have the person that is my soul mate but sometimes it takes a few trys.
A friend of mine, Lee, has a bumper sticker on her car...Just Be Nice. Good advice and that's the closing of my infinite wisdom. Just be nice...smile when you don't want to, be nice to the sales clerk when you are tired of waiting in line, if you are in a bad mood then be nicer, don't take stuff so seriously, realize that you have NO idea what other people are going through.
So, in the spirit of change, I hope you change the things you want in 2011 but keep the wonderful person you are because you are indeed wonderful. Merry Christmas. And yes, remember the reason for the season...Jesus.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
A Triathlete Converted to...well, still working on that but here's 10 drinking songs that might help me figure it out...
So, ummm, TriIronChick is in retirement...some people say hiatus but she says retired...whatever so I ride my bike a lot these days. In addition, I drink a lot of wine and various other cocktails. TriIronChick is in there somewhere but she has been replaced by the Areallthosethingsyouthoughtweresoimportantreallythatimportantandinthegrandschemeoflifedoesitreally matter girl? But that is not the point of this post...I have been sitting on YouTube tonight trying to research the best drinking songs ever...yours are probably different than mine but since this is my blog here's what I came up with...
1) You Never Even Called Me By My Name, David Allan Coe...I mean how can you beat the lyrics...I was drunk the day my mom got out of prison and I went to pick her up in the rain but before I could get to the station in my pick up truck, she got runned over by a damned ole train...perfect country and western song cause it talks about Momma, trucks, trains and getting drunk...what else is there? Subsitute trucks for bicycles for me...well, I do have a truck. And a few of my friends probably remembering me singing this song as I fell asleep.
2) Margaritaville, Jimmy Buffett...so the more we drink the more some of us figure out it was all our own damn fault but who cares cause we have that frozen concotion that helps us hang on.
3) Friends in Low Places, Garth Brooks...let's face it folks, I was raised in Texas in the 80-90s so it is some law that I have to include Garth Brooks. This is so me too...blame it all on my roots, I showed up in boots and ruined your black tie affair. And trust me I have friends in LOW places where the whiskey drowns and the beer chases my blues away and I'm not big on social graces...oh wait is that me? Oh, I guess I was wrong I just don't belong but I've been there before.
4) Straight Tequila Night, John Anderson...there's lots of thing you can ask me on a White Zinfadel Night but that tequila speaks a different language...
5) It's Five O'Clock Somewhere, Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett...Because it is indeed 5:00 pm somewhere.
6) Two Pina Coladas, Garth Brooks...Yes, really, science has proved that heartaches are healed by the sea. Bring me 2 pina coladas...or whatever...and put me by the ocean and it's all good...
7) Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American), Toby Keith...okay, if you know me...my messy house is decorated in Americana (and beach stuff) and my spouse will hopefully retire relatively soon from some branch of the armed forces so this song is perfect after 2 or 3 or 4 or more cocktails cause somehow you are more patriotic with cocktails and think about your spouse going to war...and really this big dog will fight if you rattle her cage.
8) Not Ready to Make Nice, Dixie Chicks...we are coming to the angry songs...forgive sounds good, forget I'm not sure I could, they say that time heals everything but I'm still waiting...I'm not ready to make nice, I'm not ready to back down, I'm still mad as hell and I don't have time to go round and round and round, it's too late to make it right, I probably wouldn't if I could, Can't bring myself to do what it is you think I should......I know you said why can't you just get over it...it turned my whole world around and I kind of like it, made my bed and I sleep like a baby (do you Ms. Sit in the 2nd row at your own father's funeral, etc, etc...?) Yep, that one thing taught me...ain't no one going to stand up for you except yourself and if you can look yourself in the mirror and be okay, then in reality that is all that really matters. I won't ever do what it is that people think I should...
9) How Do You Like Me Now, Toby Keith...so more Toby Keith...don't you ever just want to say that to someone who treated you like dog crap a long time ago and now...karma is a bitch!!! How do you like me now? You still think I'm crazy standing here today?? ain't it a cruel and funny world????
10) Neon Moon, Brooks and Dunn...Jukebox plays on drink by drink and the words of every sad song seem to say what I think this hurt inside of me ain't ever gonna end. Oh, but I'll be alright as long as there's light from a neon moon. If you lose your one and only, there's always room here for the lonely to watch your broken dreams dance in and out of the beams of a neon moon...gosh, isn't that perfect to end the list of drinking songs...hey, remember I'm from Texas...we did actually dance in and out of the beams of a neon moon. Do you think kids now even know what a jukebox is????
So, there's tons more I could include many more country songs and don't even take me to John Mayer but this is it for this top 10 drinking song list tonight. Hopefully, this might lead me to whatever it is I'm supposed to be...or make more profit for Sutter Home.
1) You Never Even Called Me By My Name, David Allan Coe...I mean how can you beat the lyrics...I was drunk the day my mom got out of prison and I went to pick her up in the rain but before I could get to the station in my pick up truck, she got runned over by a damned ole train...perfect country and western song cause it talks about Momma, trucks, trains and getting drunk...what else is there? Subsitute trucks for bicycles for me...well, I do have a truck. And a few of my friends probably remembering me singing this song as I fell asleep.
2) Margaritaville, Jimmy Buffett...so the more we drink the more some of us figure out it was all our own damn fault but who cares cause we have that frozen concotion that helps us hang on.
3) Friends in Low Places, Garth Brooks...let's face it folks, I was raised in Texas in the 80-90s so it is some law that I have to include Garth Brooks. This is so me too...blame it all on my roots, I showed up in boots and ruined your black tie affair. And trust me I have friends in LOW places where the whiskey drowns and the beer chases my blues away and I'm not big on social graces...oh wait is that me? Oh, I guess I was wrong I just don't belong but I've been there before.
4) Straight Tequila Night, John Anderson...there's lots of thing you can ask me on a White Zinfadel Night but that tequila speaks a different language...
5) It's Five O'Clock Somewhere, Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett...Because it is indeed 5:00 pm somewhere.
6) Two Pina Coladas, Garth Brooks...Yes, really, science has proved that heartaches are healed by the sea. Bring me 2 pina coladas...or whatever...and put me by the ocean and it's all good...
7) Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American), Toby Keith...okay, if you know me...my messy house is decorated in Americana (and beach stuff) and my spouse will hopefully retire relatively soon from some branch of the armed forces so this song is perfect after 2 or 3 or 4 or more cocktails cause somehow you are more patriotic with cocktails and think about your spouse going to war...and really this big dog will fight if you rattle her cage.
8) Not Ready to Make Nice, Dixie Chicks...we are coming to the angry songs...forgive sounds good, forget I'm not sure I could, they say that time heals everything but I'm still waiting...I'm not ready to make nice, I'm not ready to back down, I'm still mad as hell and I don't have time to go round and round and round, it's too late to make it right, I probably wouldn't if I could, Can't bring myself to do what it is you think I should......I know you said why can't you just get over it...it turned my whole world around and I kind of like it, made my bed and I sleep like a baby (do you Ms. Sit in the 2nd row at your own father's funeral, etc, etc...?) Yep, that one thing taught me...ain't no one going to stand up for you except yourself and if you can look yourself in the mirror and be okay, then in reality that is all that really matters. I won't ever do what it is that people think I should...
9) How Do You Like Me Now, Toby Keith...so more Toby Keith...don't you ever just want to say that to someone who treated you like dog crap a long time ago and now...karma is a bitch!!! How do you like me now? You still think I'm crazy standing here today?? ain't it a cruel and funny world????
10) Neon Moon, Brooks and Dunn...Jukebox plays on drink by drink and the words of every sad song seem to say what I think this hurt inside of me ain't ever gonna end. Oh, but I'll be alright as long as there's light from a neon moon. If you lose your one and only, there's always room here for the lonely to watch your broken dreams dance in and out of the beams of a neon moon...gosh, isn't that perfect to end the list of drinking songs...hey, remember I'm from Texas...we did actually dance in and out of the beams of a neon moon. Do you think kids now even know what a jukebox is????
So, there's tons more I could include many more country songs and don't even take me to John Mayer but this is it for this top 10 drinking song list tonight. Hopefully, this might lead me to whatever it is I'm supposed to be...or make more profit for Sutter Home.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Random Acts of Kindness...
We are in Memphis for the AutoZone Liberty Bowl and spent New Year's Eve on Beale Street. Other than the guitar falling to signify the beginning of 2010, one of the most greatest moments was some other ECU fans giving us pins their friends had made for them. My husband commented on the buttons and the man and his daughter took them right off and gave them to us. We forget how small things like that really mean to people. It takes just a few seconds to practice random acts of kindness but people will remember them forever. So, here is my challenge to myself and you, too in 2010...take a few seconds and practice a random act of kindness...everyone feels great about it and some one will remember you for many years to come!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Jeans
In the past week, I think I have tried on about a million pairs of jeans...thanks to my two best girl friends and two separate shopping trips which were both a blast!!! So, let's break down trying on jeans...
1) You see them in the store and they look sooooooooooooo cute! Surely, even though they are on that stick thin plastic model and look fabulous they should look even better on you!
2) So, you sort through all the tiny sizes and finally find your size at the very bottom, tucked beneath the tiny little jeans that go on the plastic stick thin model. No worries though because you are going to look hot!
3) You go into the dressing room with a huge smile and possibly a cute top to make an outfit!
4) So, since it is winter you pull off your heavy boots and pants and even though your thighs look like cottage cheese, you just know these cute jeans will solve all your clothing problems.
5) Finally, the moment of truth comes. You pull on the jeans. So, they are a little tight in the thighs but still you are hopeful.
6) You pull them up to your waist...What? You cannot believe it...your thighs are crammed into the fabric like a pig fighting underneath a blanket but the waist is about 2 sizes too big. Oh, and the crotch is so long that you look like you should have some extra equipment down there.
7) But you remain somewhat hopeful despite this small defeat so you trudge out the dressing room and think oh it is just the fit of this pair of jeans...
8) You pick about another 5 pairs of jeans from 5 different manufacturers and 5 different sizes convinced they will fit and make you the next super model...
9) So, now you are working up a sweat which makes pulling jeans on and off a little harder...
10) Each pair has its own fit alright...and none of them fit. So, as if the holidays aren't bad enough, you feel even worse and swear you will never eat a thing until June so you can fit into those jeans.
11) So, after you have spent 2 hours in the dressing room, you finally give up and pull on the only pair of jeans you have that fit and walk out of the dressing room, defeated but swear that you are going to exercise every minute of the day and not eat until February. You will get into those jeans.
12) This act repeats itself in about 10 stores around the mall...Finally, you give up and head home...swearing you will exercise every other day and not eat a thing until January 15.
13) You are exhausted and must have some food to make the long journey to the car so you head to the cookie stand and buy a double doozie and figure you can start not eating tomorrow.
1) You see them in the store and they look sooooooooooooo cute! Surely, even though they are on that stick thin plastic model and look fabulous they should look even better on you!
2) So, you sort through all the tiny sizes and finally find your size at the very bottom, tucked beneath the tiny little jeans that go on the plastic stick thin model. No worries though because you are going to look hot!
3) You go into the dressing room with a huge smile and possibly a cute top to make an outfit!
4) So, since it is winter you pull off your heavy boots and pants and even though your thighs look like cottage cheese, you just know these cute jeans will solve all your clothing problems.
5) Finally, the moment of truth comes. You pull on the jeans. So, they are a little tight in the thighs but still you are hopeful.
6) You pull them up to your waist...What? You cannot believe it...your thighs are crammed into the fabric like a pig fighting underneath a blanket but the waist is about 2 sizes too big. Oh, and the crotch is so long that you look like you should have some extra equipment down there.
7) But you remain somewhat hopeful despite this small defeat so you trudge out the dressing room and think oh it is just the fit of this pair of jeans...
8) You pick about another 5 pairs of jeans from 5 different manufacturers and 5 different sizes convinced they will fit and make you the next super model...
9) So, now you are working up a sweat which makes pulling jeans on and off a little harder...
10) Each pair has its own fit alright...and none of them fit. So, as if the holidays aren't bad enough, you feel even worse and swear you will never eat a thing until June so you can fit into those jeans.
11) So, after you have spent 2 hours in the dressing room, you finally give up and pull on the only pair of jeans you have that fit and walk out of the dressing room, defeated but swear that you are going to exercise every minute of the day and not eat until February. You will get into those jeans.
12) This act repeats itself in about 10 stores around the mall...Finally, you give up and head home...swearing you will exercise every other day and not eat a thing until January 15.
13) You are exhausted and must have some food to make the long journey to the car so you head to the cookie stand and buy a double doozie and figure you can start not eating tomorrow.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Fat again
So, I deleted my blog because I didn't feel I deserve to blog under Iron Tri Chick because I am fat and lazy again...
The past few months I have really been on a downward slide and depression set in. My life is a mess. I can barely get out of bed because I don't feel I have anything to look forward to. My house is a mess because I don't feel like I want to clean up. This all came to a head last night... My husband was gone, no phone calls, no real emails, the only way I find out what everyone is doing is on facebook. Everyone is out and about having fun and I was at home alone. I was so sad. Finally as I got into bed, I realized that I cannot base my happiness on other people. I have to make myself happy.
Now, I have struggled with my weight my entire life. At my highest, I was 180 pounds and 28% body fat. I am now 152 and 25% body fat. This depressed me too. I wasn't willing to make the changes to change it though. However, that changes today. I got up and went for a run. Yes, I can hear the fabric of my capris rubbing together but at least I was out there. I came home and ate a good breakfast and stopped when I was full. I undeleted this blog because I know there are others out there struggling too. So, starting today...I make me happy. I clean up and start looking for things to look forward to. I clean up my diet and feel better about me. Today is truly the first day of the rest of my life...what can I do with it? The possibilities are endless.
The past few months I have really been on a downward slide and depression set in. My life is a mess. I can barely get out of bed because I don't feel I have anything to look forward to. My house is a mess because I don't feel like I want to clean up. This all came to a head last night... My husband was gone, no phone calls, no real emails, the only way I find out what everyone is doing is on facebook. Everyone is out and about having fun and I was at home alone. I was so sad. Finally as I got into bed, I realized that I cannot base my happiness on other people. I have to make myself happy.
Now, I have struggled with my weight my entire life. At my highest, I was 180 pounds and 28% body fat. I am now 152 and 25% body fat. This depressed me too. I wasn't willing to make the changes to change it though. However, that changes today. I got up and went for a run. Yes, I can hear the fabric of my capris rubbing together but at least I was out there. I came home and ate a good breakfast and stopped when I was full. I undeleted this blog because I know there are others out there struggling too. So, starting today...I make me happy. I clean up and start looking for things to look forward to. I clean up my diet and feel better about me. Today is truly the first day of the rest of my life...what can I do with it? The possibilities are endless.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
CNC
CNC is Cycle North Carolina. It is a week long trip and about 450 miles. The route changes every year. This year we rode from Blowing Rock to Surf City.
Day 1, Saturday - Up at 3 am to drive to Surf City to catch the bus to Blowing Rock. First thing off the bus, I see my friends, Bob and Christine. They are an awesome couple who have been married over 30 years and love each other more and more each day. They ride a tandem and SMOKE up the road. We finally get going at 9 am. Luckily, I am on the bus with Bob and Christine and Stan and Elizabeth (from our club). As we are driving to Blowing Rock, it starts raining ALOT! We get to Blowing Rock at around 4 pm and it is pouring down rain. Finally off the bus, we start to put up our tents and I hear from my friend, Allison! Then I see my friend from Tennessee, Ricky! It was awesome. After a little reunion, we hop in our tents and prepare for day 1 of our ride. Did I mention it was still raining?
Day 2, Sunday-Blowing Rock to Lenoir-58 miles. After a yummy breakfast, we head out to the Blue Ridge Parkway. AWESOME. Cannot even express in words how beautiful it was. The leaves were changing and the views were absolutely incredible. Of course we had to stop and take tons of pictures. Luckily we met up with our other friend, Sandy, on the way to the viaduct! Lots of climbing but tons of descending. On the way down, I realize that we were on the road where I ran a marathon a few years ago (Ridge to Bridge...downhill for 13 miles). We are flying downhill and this lady is laying on her horn like a crazy person. Like we really have somewhere else to go so I give her a salute and continue downhill. It was so fun! At the rest stop, we all meet back up and have some yummy BBQ. We roll into town and have a fun evening at the Tennesee Ranch.
Day 3, Monday, Lenior to Statesville-60 miles-Fun day. More climbing. Fun night in Statesville listening to local musicians and yummy pasta!
Day 4, Tuesday, Statesville to Thomasville-60 miles or so-Did I mention more climbing? By this day, I am asking God if this is a test? I want to be a better climber but not in one week! We roll in and both Allison and I have massages scheduled. Allison naps in the grass as we are just pooped. Ricky (Tennessee Ranch Master) tells us that Bobby Labonte (NASCAR driver) rode that day but we didn't see him. We go downtown for dinner and music. As Allison and I are standing downtown, this man walks by and I think I know that guy and sure enough it is Bobby Labonte. I go over and tell him my friend, Kathy, is a big fan of his and ask if I can get a picture of him....okay, I first say something dumb like you're Bobby Labonte (like he doesn't know who he is). I can tell he doesn't want everyone to bum rush him so I ask Allison if she can take a picture of my friend, Fred and I. She says hello to Fred and he says "yeah, we go way back!" It was so funny. Allison was not as entertained as I was but we went back over after I told her who he was. He introduced to his son, Tyler. It was awesome.
Day 5, Wednesday-Thomasville to Sanford-CENTURY day...Did I mention we are still riding hills? More climbing today than any other day. 4700 feet of climbing. We had a great day though. We stopped and had yummy biscuits and gravy and saw the Richard Petty museum. It was a long day and the roads were bumpy. We did it though. Bonus Allison and I got a great picture on our bikes...that never happens!
Day 6, Thursday-Sanford to Dunn-about 60 miles-Great day. We rolled quite well today! Roads were not as desirable as I wished but it is finally flattening out. As we rolled into town, there were about 5 guys on my wheel and I felt great! Allison and I went out for Mexican and had a great evening. We were afraid we might never get back to camp but then a great lady came by and got us back to camp!
Day 7, Friday-Dunn to Kenansville, 60 miles or so-Okay, I am ready to go home so we are rolling. Allison and I were often the only girls in a group of boys and we hung on with the best of them. It is flat and windy, which is what we ride! We get in right after noon. It was nice to hang out. Allison and I had massages and they were great. After working on some bikes, we hung out at the Tennessee Ranch! Unfortunately, our friend, Bob took a tumble off his bike courtesy of a little bitty dog. He was fine but had lots of road rash and required stitches in his elbow. Ever resilient he rode his bike back from the emergency road.
Day 8, Saturday, Kenansville to Surf City, 55 miles-Last year I wasn't ready to go home but this year I was so away we rode! It was great and I was so glad I had spent so many hours in the saddle! Never had I been able to hang on to a group like this. Tim and I rolled into Surf City. After I got off my bike, I went to the ocean! I took off my jersey and right into the ocean I went. This was the first time I had been to the ocean all year. It was great. This year I was quite moved and almost cried. It was so great to see all the riders come in! It was great to put my feet in the ocean with my friend, Allison. After about an hour, I was on my way home. It was a beautiful day. Lots of blue sky, in the 80s, top down on the Jeep and rolled home. Stopped by the shop to see my peeps and realized how much I missed them! They seem to miss me too!
It was a great week! I was ready to come home though. I am thankful for the opportunities that God has given me! I am also thankful for my cat and my little house! Thankful for my CNC friends too...Allison,Ricky, Tim, Bob, Christine, Sandy, Ragan and all my new friends along the way. Only one missing thing this year...missed my long distance partner, Jimmy D!
Day 1, Saturday - Up at 3 am to drive to Surf City to catch the bus to Blowing Rock. First thing off the bus, I see my friends, Bob and Christine. They are an awesome couple who have been married over 30 years and love each other more and more each day. They ride a tandem and SMOKE up the road. We finally get going at 9 am. Luckily, I am on the bus with Bob and Christine and Stan and Elizabeth (from our club). As we are driving to Blowing Rock, it starts raining ALOT! We get to Blowing Rock at around 4 pm and it is pouring down rain. Finally off the bus, we start to put up our tents and I hear from my friend, Allison! Then I see my friend from Tennessee, Ricky! It was awesome. After a little reunion, we hop in our tents and prepare for day 1 of our ride. Did I mention it was still raining?
Day 2, Sunday-Blowing Rock to Lenoir-58 miles. After a yummy breakfast, we head out to the Blue Ridge Parkway. AWESOME. Cannot even express in words how beautiful it was. The leaves were changing and the views were absolutely incredible. Of course we had to stop and take tons of pictures. Luckily we met up with our other friend, Sandy, on the way to the viaduct! Lots of climbing but tons of descending. On the way down, I realize that we were on the road where I ran a marathon a few years ago (Ridge to Bridge...downhill for 13 miles). We are flying downhill and this lady is laying on her horn like a crazy person. Like we really have somewhere else to go so I give her a salute and continue downhill. It was so fun! At the rest stop, we all meet back up and have some yummy BBQ. We roll into town and have a fun evening at the Tennesee Ranch.
Day 3, Monday, Lenior to Statesville-60 miles-Fun day. More climbing. Fun night in Statesville listening to local musicians and yummy pasta!
Day 4, Tuesday, Statesville to Thomasville-60 miles or so-Did I mention more climbing? By this day, I am asking God if this is a test? I want to be a better climber but not in one week! We roll in and both Allison and I have massages scheduled. Allison naps in the grass as we are just pooped. Ricky (Tennessee Ranch Master) tells us that Bobby Labonte (NASCAR driver) rode that day but we didn't see him. We go downtown for dinner and music. As Allison and I are standing downtown, this man walks by and I think I know that guy and sure enough it is Bobby Labonte. I go over and tell him my friend, Kathy, is a big fan of his and ask if I can get a picture of him....okay, I first say something dumb like you're Bobby Labonte (like he doesn't know who he is). I can tell he doesn't want everyone to bum rush him so I ask Allison if she can take a picture of my friend, Fred and I. She says hello to Fred and he says "yeah, we go way back!" It was so funny. Allison was not as entertained as I was but we went back over after I told her who he was. He introduced to his son, Tyler. It was awesome.
Day 5, Wednesday-Thomasville to Sanford-CENTURY day...Did I mention we are still riding hills? More climbing today than any other day. 4700 feet of climbing. We had a great day though. We stopped and had yummy biscuits and gravy and saw the Richard Petty museum. It was a long day and the roads were bumpy. We did it though. Bonus Allison and I got a great picture on our bikes...that never happens!
Day 6, Thursday-Sanford to Dunn-about 60 miles-Great day. We rolled quite well today! Roads were not as desirable as I wished but it is finally flattening out. As we rolled into town, there were about 5 guys on my wheel and I felt great! Allison and I went out for Mexican and had a great evening. We were afraid we might never get back to camp but then a great lady came by and got us back to camp!
Day 7, Friday-Dunn to Kenansville, 60 miles or so-Okay, I am ready to go home so we are rolling. Allison and I were often the only girls in a group of boys and we hung on with the best of them. It is flat and windy, which is what we ride! We get in right after noon. It was nice to hang out. Allison and I had massages and they were great. After working on some bikes, we hung out at the Tennessee Ranch! Unfortunately, our friend, Bob took a tumble off his bike courtesy of a little bitty dog. He was fine but had lots of road rash and required stitches in his elbow. Ever resilient he rode his bike back from the emergency road.
Day 8, Saturday, Kenansville to Surf City, 55 miles-Last year I wasn't ready to go home but this year I was so away we rode! It was great and I was so glad I had spent so many hours in the saddle! Never had I been able to hang on to a group like this. Tim and I rolled into Surf City. After I got off my bike, I went to the ocean! I took off my jersey and right into the ocean I went. This was the first time I had been to the ocean all year. It was great. This year I was quite moved and almost cried. It was so great to see all the riders come in! It was great to put my feet in the ocean with my friend, Allison. After about an hour, I was on my way home. It was a beautiful day. Lots of blue sky, in the 80s, top down on the Jeep and rolled home. Stopped by the shop to see my peeps and realized how much I missed them! They seem to miss me too!
It was a great week! I was ready to come home though. I am thankful for the opportunities that God has given me! I am also thankful for my cat and my little house! Thankful for my CNC friends too...Allison,Ricky, Tim, Bob, Christine, Sandy, Ragan and all my new friends along the way. Only one missing thing this year...missed my long distance partner, Jimmy D!
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