On October 24 I rode in the Livestrong Challenge in Austin. Lance Armstrong was there; unfortunately I did not have a chance to meet him. Anyway, I have been riding a few months now, but this was my first organized bike ride and it was amazing. The morning was cool; it was overcast so we didn't get blasted by the sun.
Ever since I first got clips on my bike I have had problems with them. So, not even making out of the parking lot someone cut in front of me. I couldn't get out of my clips fast enough and I fell. I skinned my knee up a bit but I think my ego took most of the damage. After we got started I was a great ride. The scenery was nice and I was biking with some friends from work, so there was also good company.
First hill was coming up. Usually at the course I ride I big gear everything. It's typically tougher and I guess I like that type of thing. Wow, did I underestimate the hill. I ended up walking the last 20 meters of it. Little did I forget that these are the same hills that Lance Armstrong rides to train for the Tour de France. Riding more, second hill and I figured I am a bit wiser for the wear. I can't shift to the small wheel. So I walked the last 20 meters or so of that hill.
I eventually got the bike to shift into the small wheel on a straight away knowing there was a bigger hill coming up, but I'm stuck in the small wheel and can't shift back up. Last big hill and I made it just fine. There was a power stop just at the last 5 miles of the ride and I was able to get my shifting issue resolved, so the rest of the ride was great.
Coming across the finish line my family was there to cheer and show me they were proud. I was excited to see them. I finished the ride feeling like I had accomplished something bigger than myself, and it really was. During the ride I thought of those I knew that had recently had battles with cancer and of the family members I had lost to cancer.
A good friend of mine from work recently fought and won a bout with cancer. My brother is a cancer survivor as well. Unfortunately I lost my favorite aunt, Aunt Millie to cancer when I was young. I then thought about the number 28; the 28 million people who are fighting cancer right now.
Not wanting to leave this on such a depressing remark; my son and daughter want to ride with me next year! I think I may even have my wife talked into riding with us!
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