Cycling clinc

So this Saturday was our mandatory cycling clinic for our Tahoe team. It was held the tallest building in downtown Milwaukee in a beautiful law firm conference room on the 33rd floor. It had a beautiful view of Lake Michigan that was a bit distracting while trying to learn how to fix a flat tire on a bike by watching some else do it.

It was a nice chance to get to meet the coaches, mentors and other people that I will be spending a lot of time with the coming Saturday mornings, once Spring hits. Everyone was really nice. There are a quite a few people that have never done the Tahoe ride, or that own a bike yet for that matter. It's so good to know that I'm not alone!

I kind of got scared when I heard people talking about injuries. Let's see one of the coaches has a plate with 6 screws in his collarbone and the opposite side is a dislocated shoulder. One guy apparently crashed, hit his head (yes wearing a helmet) and spent 5 days in the hospital. People - I know that some of you have been riding for years and this may be your 5th, 6th or 10th Tahoe century ride - DO NOT SCARE OFF THE NEW PEOPLE! You will send me back to running in a heartbeat with one more "war story." Then they go and show us a picture like this to inspire us... the view from Emerald Bay (notice not shown are the switchbacks and the climb to get to this point...)

I don't know what scares me more, all of the "gear" that I will need to layer on for our first ride in March or trying on "clipless" pedals. Why call them clip"less" when you have to clip them in to the pedal? Guess it doesn't matter I'll try them on a spin bike first anyway. Then maybe we can blow up two air mattresses in the garage and I can try to "clip-in" and fall on something soft instead of my driveway. I hope our neighbors get a few good laughs out of this anyway.

I am excited about this adventure. Even more so when it was reiterated (more than once) that this is NOT A RACE, IT IS A RIDE. I know for some, they will read that and ask, why do it then? Well for those answers you need to look to my fundraising page. I will complete this event (and all of the training!) because I can. I will complete the fundraising and "THE RIDE" for those who cannot.

This will not be the last time, I ask, but I am asking for your help. I am asking that you help me to raise $4,400 for LLS. My first fundraising goal is $1,400 by February 23! If you can spare $5, $10, $25 it will be so very appreciated! 100% of your donation is tax deductible. 75% of every dollar contributed goes directly to patient aid and research. Please remember every little bit helps.

Ah, my Mommy time is over for today. The natives are awake and restless! Have a great day!