The Good, the Bad, and the Beautiful

Officially Out West

So here is what I know. We are on day 26 and are already 1/3 of the way across the continental US. Yesterday we crossed the Mississippi River-the official dividing point of the east and west. As of Thursday we will have been gone a whole month. And we have rode a lot of miles (enough for me not to want to do the math).

It seems like yesterday that we left Central Park yet I feel like I have been riding my bike and sleeping in churches for over a year. It has flown by- which was totally expected. But there has also been a lot of unexpected- the good and the bad- over the past weeks. Here area a few of my favorite parts of this ride- and also my not so favorite parts....

Top not so favorite moments:

1. Being denied a shower on on day 2 in West Philly, PA. It was only our second day riding and after 81.2 miles we desperately wanted a shower and were told that there was a local YMCA a couple miles away. Being desperate for a shower, a handful of us walked all the way only to be turned down stone cold from the receptionist. She didn't even sound remorseful. So we walked dozens of blocks back in the ghetto of Philadelphia carrying our luffas and towels smelling really bad. Not even an original Philly Cheese Steak sandwich could cheer me up.
2. On both days 4 and 5 in Chambersburg and Everett, PA we ran into two- not one but two tornado warnings. Both times my group was less than 15 miles away from our destination. The first day after riding 78 miles though the rolling hills of the Appalachians we got stuck at a Mitus Repair Shop 2 miles away from our stay-over. Only two miles from showers, sleeping bags, and food. But we wouldn't have made it not matter how fast we pedaled because the sky turned from black to green in seconds. It was the nastiest storm I have ever seen- which might explain why my group (Bones, Katie, and Gedion) pulled off hastily at a Mitus instead of going 10 more feet to a restaurant. All of the other groups were stranded in Walmart or a Deli or a pizza place and ate while they waited. We on the other hand, got automobile parts. On day five the severe weather followed us to Everett, PA where my group (Ron, Katie, Cristian, and Josh) got stuck at a Quizno's and couldn't even finish the last 10-15 miles of the day- all the groups had to be shuttled in by the van due to the weather.
3. The awful humidity that followed in Pennsylvania after the storms.
4. Wasting money to see the movie Hangover II in Pittsburg.
5. All of the following streets: Mountain House Rd in PA, White Horse in PA, Sycamore Rd getting out of Pittsburg, PA and finally another one that made the list was yesterdays 13 mile County Road 9 into Rochester, MN. Mountain House and White Horse where forever and ever long steep steep steep steep climbs that only the devil could have designed. Sycamore wasn't as long but could have been just as steep if not steeper. I remember a lady at the stop light right before we turned on the road who saw which direction we were going and said, “Oooooooooh girl! That's a big hill.” That was an understatement. And I happened to do that climb at 8am in the morning. I don't think I will ever beat that accomplishment so early in the day throughout my entire life. And CR-9 was a never ending road that was a continuation of rolling hills that went against nature and didn't have any down hills following the climb.
6. Breaking my shifters on day 9 half way through the day from Pittsburgh, PA to Cadiz, OH. They officially broke on a downhill going through West Virginia. Do to the huge presence of hills it would have been impossible to continue riding. So I had to ride in the van 2 ½ days until I was able to find a Trek repair shop in Columbus, OH. I hated feeling left out from the ride and driving the van is like driving a school bus. It would have been different if I had chosen to ride sag or needed to ride if I was sick or something, but having to ride just because your bike is broke sucks. Not to mention new shifters (just one) cost $200.
7. June 4, 2011. Day 13. 13 is an unlucky number for a reason. It was my 22^nd birthday and we were riding 84 miles to Greenwood, IN (a suburb of Indianapolis). It was supposed to be a fantastic day- and I got to ride with Ron and Ellie and Divya. But the weather had another plan. We rode 84 miles in unbelievable heat. By 3 pm it was 97 degrees and we were in the middle of cornfields. I felt like I was trapped in an oven. I also wasn't thinking and wanted to wear my shorter biking shorts on my birthday so I could look cute and work on getting rid of my tan lines. Not smart. The part of my leg that had not yet been exposed a lot to the sun got scalded by the sun. It was one of the worst sun burns I've probably ever had. 4 miles away from our destination I hit a wall and had my first I4K cry. It was a water work show. Looking back the 4 our us were quite the sight. I had Niagara Falls coming out of my eyes, Ellie was yelling incoherent words such as, “I feel like a slave,” and Divya was barley gasping out call outs (such as car back). We looked like death and Ron was our saint. I truly wonder if we would have ever made it without Ron telling us to “come on.” It was awful.
8. Showering at the County Fair Showers in Rockville, Illinois. It was my first cold shower experience. It didn't help that the showers looked like ones prisoners would use. But I suppose any shower is better than no shower.
9. The 33 miles into Chicago that took over 4 hours. We rode through monsoons, floods (literally) and insanely strong headwinds the four mile Lake Shore bike trail to the bean. The Bean (our destination where our families were waiting) was soooo close but so far. I just wanted to be home.
10. Leaving home for the second time after my rest day in Freeport.
11. Miscommunication in Fitchburg, WI.
12. Leaving my aunt's house in Fitchburg, WI. It was like an official goodbye. The entire first third of the ride we rode looking forward to being back home in Chicago and I knew in just a few weeks I would be in a bed and seeing my family again. We were riding home. After Fitchburg, we are riding further and further away from home. We are in it for the long haul. It was definitely harder saying goodbye to my family that time then any of the others.
13. Realizing we always won't be as spoiled as we were during the first part of the trip. We ate dinner and breakfast like kings and queens. 90% of the time dinner was provided for us by the churches or families. Delicious lasagna, Italian Beef, Chipotle, Pizza, Spaghetti, Grilled Cheese and tomato soup, hamburgers, Fazolis, etc. On day 23 in Reedsburg, WI (the first day after my aunt's house) we had to make lentils and white rice. Mmmmmmm
14. On day 24 going from Reedsburg, WI to Lacrosse, WI I woke up feeling sicker than a dog with a sore throat, stuffed up, tired, the works. To make matters worse that day was in the low 50's and was pouring rain all day. I had to make the decision whether or not to ride in the van. I didn't want to at all, especially since I have already spent 2 days in the van because of my shifters. But I knew if I rode the 87 miles in the freezing rain I would get worse and be even more miserable for the next couple days which happened to be our rest day. Knowing that I wouldn't be able to visit the Hope Lodge in Rochester with the rest of the team if I was sick was enough to convince me to get in the van after riding 20 miles.
15. The occasional knee pain. 5:45 am every day. And extreme farmer tans. Chaffing. 5:45 am
16. Event Day in Rochester.

On Saturday, June 18 our team left our stay-over in Rochester to head farther west in Minnesota to Albert Lea. Our legs were groggy after a day off and our morale was low after two of our teammates left our team. And of course for me it was too early. But Christine lead us in a really great Mosher (team activity) to get the day started. Our team held hands and we shared who we were dedicating our ride to for that day- someone in particular we had met along the ride.

The Mosher reminded me- and all of us- what we are really doing this ride for. Yes, we want to get to San Fran and have fun along the way seeing Washington Lookout, Times Square, and the Jolly Green Giant Statue in the town of Blue Earth. But we are riding 4500 miles not for the sights, but for the fight against cancer. All of my not-so-favorite moments I listed above are nothing compared to what people who have cancer go through. I have heard these stories first hand from patients and survivors we have met along the way. And now I know when I am having a bad day and I think that it can't get any worse- I think of all the people that have suffered from all of the chemo, surgery, radiation and uncertainty that cancer brings. My pain or bad moments are nothing in comparison. And I hope that what we are doing- the little pain we go through up hills or on long days will alleviate some if not all of the pain these people have had to battle.

I have met amazing people along the way and have heard even more amazing stories. The people I have been able to talk to so far have been so honest and open about their experience. I have talked to family members to complete strangers and each of their stories have touched me. I don't think I ever will forget them.

I found out someone very close to me was diagnosed with cancer the exact day before my ride kicked off. Life doesn't get more ironic than that. Cancer has never hit so close to home for me before and it was so hard to hear. No one ever wants to hear that word. Ever. I ride for this person every single day.

Beverley & Bob Carr were are other members of my family that I dedicate my ride to. Uncle Bobby is my mom's uncle and him and his wife drove over 3 hours to come visit me and my team in Richmond, IN. It was such a wonderful surprise to get to see my family, especially after our 100 mile day. We got to visit and they met all of my team over dinner that was provided by the church. After our pasta dinner, Aunt Bev allowed us to do a team portrait of her. The Portraits Project is a collection of narratives that demonstrate how Americans respond to cancer based on their unique life experiences and individual beliefs. A handful of us sit down and listen to and record a person's personal testimony about their experience with cancer. Aunt Bev sat down and openly shared her battle with breast cancer. Thankfully, she and Uncle Bobby (who also had a bout with cancer) are some of the lucky ones. Aunt Bev credits their outcomes to not only her faith in God, but also to early detection. I remember Aunt Bev saying that if we take anything away from her interview, is to get checked routinely. It may save our lives one day. It was amazing hearing her story and I am so so glad that I got to see both of them! Thank you Aunt Bev & Uncle Bobby!!!! Thank you for all of your support. It means a lot!

Early to Bed, Early To Rise

In only 11 days I have gone from the Big City in NY all the way to the home of the Buckeyes- Columbus Ohio.   In less than 2 weeks we have totaled about 700 miles.

Day 1  New York City, NY- Hillsborough, NJ  (64.6 miles)
Day 2  Hillsborough, NJ- Philadelphia, PA  (83.1)
Day 3  Philadelphia, PA- Lancaster, PA  (80.6)
Day 4  Lancaster, PA- Chambersburg, PA  (80)
Day 5  Chambersburg, PA- Everett, PA  (65)
Day 6  Everett, PA- Mt. Pleasant, PA  (80.7 * Through the mountains)
Day 7  Mt. Pleasant, PA- Pittsburg, PA  (47.4)
Day 8  EVENT DAY IN PITTSBURG, PA  (It is called an event day and not a rest day because there is hardly any time to rest.)
Day 9  Pittsburg, PA- Cadiz, OH  (91.3)
Day 10  Cadiz, OH- Zanesville, OH  (54.5)
Day 11  Zanesville, OH- Columbus, OH  (54.1)

And I know that in just those 700 miles I have already done so many things that I never thought I could do- like climb mountains and see the light of day before 6am on a day to day basis.  This is what a typical day looks like.

6am:  Wake up (But everyone's alarm clocks start screeching one by one starting at 5:45)
6:06am: Ron tells me that I really need to get up....NOW.
6:06am-6:20am:  I somehow manage to blindly go to the bathroom, brush my teeth, put on my biking shorts, jersey and socks, lather on sunscreen and chamois butter all over my body- and I mean all over, shove everything back into my backpack and set it out by the van for the van packers (the bags are supposed to be out by 6:15...I am trying hard to shave seconds off my time everyday).  *Thank goodness for Ron because he rolls up my sleeping bag and sleeping pad every single day and puts them out by the van.
6:20am-7:00am:  We eat breakfast, then clean up and wash dishes if any were used, air up our bike tires (Ron usually helps me with this too,) fill up water bottles, double check to make sure I didn't forget anything, get our cues, and form groups for the day (we ride in groups of 3-7 people everyday).
7:00am:  Announcements and MOSHER TIME!!!!!!  (5-10 minute fun group activity to get the day started.)

We ride the rest of the day- depending how long we ride we get to our destination anywhere between 3pm and even 8pm (at the latest).  We stop about every 20 miles on the ride.  Typically it would be
mile 20= Water break/rest stop
miles 40= lunch (PB &J's)
mile 60= Last rest stop

or on shorter days....

Mile 15= water break/ rest stop
Mile 30= Water break/ rest stop
Mile 45= Lunch

We get in to our stay over and the first group to arrive helps unpack the van.  We all get in and take turns taking showers (or being car pooled to local gyms to shower)  Typically there is one or two showers for boys and one or two showers for girls.  Then we all have dinner.   So far we have only had to completely prepare 1 dinner for ourselves.  Every other night dinner has been provided for us either by the churches we stay over at or through local donations such as Chipotle or Dominos.  Some nights this is when errands our ran to places like CVS for anything anyone might need.  Once all 28 of us our showered and fed and prepped for the next day (having clothes laid out and bikes are cared for) it is already pushing 9pm if not 10.  Its bedtime.  If I had it my way I would be going to bed at 7pm.  There are days I honestly don't even have the energy to want to eat or shower.  Because no matter what time I go to bed- 5:45am always comes way too soon for my liking.

I am soooooooo tired and have develped this amazing ability to sleep anywhere.  And I mean anywhere.  I used to be wary of a sleeping bag and a hard floor.  Who needs a sleeping bag???  The other day we were in a random parking lot on our way to Everett PA at a rest stop and in the middle of my PB & J's I propped my head up on the curb and used my Camel Bak as a pillow and fell asleep.  I probably was drooling.  I need to take up coffee or something- or even better miraculously become a morning person because I need all the energy I can get.  700 miles isn't even 1/4 of the way there.  Not even close.  And tomorrow I get to do our first century ride (100+ miles) from Columbus Ohio all the way to Richmond, Indiana.  All I can say though is thank goodness it will be flat!  I have had enough mountains, and steep hills, and rolling hills, and "almost flat" land.  I want it FLAT!

Mountains and Tornados

Day 5

Chambersburg, PA – Everett, PA

65 Miles

Conditions: Mountainous, humid, severe weather forecast

Mosher:

*The Mosher is an Illini 4000 tradition that is literally an ID of a man named Eric Mosher. The team tries to pass it off to one another throughout the day without anyone noticing. If you successfully pass off the ID without the other person noticing- that person has been “moshered.” If you are the one with the ID by the time breakfast is served the next day you have the lead the team in a short group activity before the ride starts. The activity can be anything of your choosing from a speech to a game.

Today Yang gave the Mosher. He gave us a crash course in Chinese (hard to do early in the morning believe it or not) and taught us 3 helpful phrases that we could use while riding. He taught us how to call out: “pothole”, “stopping” and “slowing.” From what I can remember it was something like: “Keng,” “Ting,” and “man.” Didn't sound too pretty.

Overall: Hardest day I have had so far.

I rode with my sister Queen of the Mountain, Katie and 4 other guys including Ron, Cristian, Josh and Bopp-It (Greg).  The guys are very fast so I had to push myself to keep up.  On top of that my quads and knees were starting to tighten and get very sore.  Oh- and we were going through the Appalachain Mountains.  I was not feeling positive energy today.  I was lagging for sure.

Once we started pedaling we quickly realized how tough the day was going to be. There was no warm up- just several steep climbs in our very first miles. We added one more to our group temporarily.  Zion Reformed Church's organist (the church we stayed over at the night before) rode with us the first 20 miles.  He had been a biker for over 20 years he said and despite his old age, he schooled me on the hills.  This was not great for my optimism that was already dwindling with every climb.  He rode all the way with us until our first rest stop at Cowans Gap State Park. The park was beautiful, complete with a manmade lake that was way too cold for my liking.  (I did dip my feet in though.)  However my favorite part about the day was an amazing and much needed nap that I took in the shade.  The team wanted to wait until everyone arrived at the park so we could take a team pic by the lake.  We were one of the first groups in so it took over an hour for the last team to roll in.  I passed out- but had nightmares about climbing mountains.

The rest of the day proved to be one of my toughest days to date with humid weather and impossible climbs.  I actually had my first almost I4K cry today- but I kept my cool with the help of Ron.  Not only was I in pain but I hated the fact that the boys could fly up the hills (at least it seemed like it) and always had to wait for me and Katie at the top of every hill.  It was frustrating but Ron assured me that I was doing great and to go at my own pace and let them go at theirs.  Who cares if they had to wait for us.  

Our team slowly, but surely, conquered steep inclines including the infamous Mountain House Road.  And let me tell you that I don't remember seeing any houses but I promise there was a mountain.  A big one.  It was one of the hardest thing I have ever done in my life.  It was a steep 3-5 mile gradual climb up a mountain.  I have no idea how I did it.  It kicked my butt.

But what goes up must come down. And down we came with a greatly appreciated 2 mile downward slope into the town of Breezewood.  It was funny because going up the mountain we were crawling at a whopping speed of 6 miles an hour and going down I hit my high of 40 miles an hour!  There was one point where I literally had to check if I was going the speed limit on the curves.  

We stopped 10 miles out from our destination in Breezewood to go to the bathroom and share an ice-cream cone from DQ.  However unfortunately this is where our ride came to an end for the day. It seems like bad weather has been following us wherever we go.  The clouds turned black and the wind picked up. We found ourselves right in the middle of another severe storm and another tornado warning. I have never seen a sky green before.  We quickly took cover in a Quizno's. The plan was to wait the storm out but it only got worse and all groups were instructed to stay put until we could be picked up by the van.

Even with the series of unfortunate storms in Pennsylvania, we all arrived to the Everett Church of Brethren safe (and a little wet). We believe a huge thanks needs to go out to our organization's president, Connor Canaday, who is our van driver for the first few days of the trip. He has helped us immensely by not only fixing several bike problems, but also by shuttling everyone in the van safely the last couple of days.

Our difficult day was rewarded by a generous and warm welcome by the Church of Everett and its pastor, Frank Ramirez. We were provided hot showers a delicious home cooked meal (lasagna and salad) compliments of Ella, Anna, Beverley, and Thelma. It was a perfect way to end another day and to also prepare for our next day in the mountains!  :/   

My First Days

***I am not guaranteed to have internet at all of the places we stay at night.  Nor can I promise I will have energy every night to Blog.  I promise to keep it up to date thought.  So there may be multiple posts added at once.  So be sure to check to see if you have seen all of them.


***This is not the official blog for my first few days because soooooo much happened in just 5 days.  I am just going to give you the important stuff and then details will be posted soon!

I am sorry I can't write all of the stuff tonight.  Trust me- there is tons to say.  However I am tired.  I am dirty.  I am sore.  I may be constipated (I apologize if this is too much info but I told you I was going to be honest and write about everything)  But mostly I am just tired.  And I have to wake up at 5:45AM tomorrow for the third day in a row.  NOT ok.


But really quick- we have rode our bike in a total of 3 states in just 2 days!!!!!!!  We rode 65 miles from Central Park, New York City to Hillsborough, New Jersey on Monday (Day 1).  Today (Day 2) we rode 81.2 miles from Hillsborough, NJ to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  Crazy.


There is also a term I have learned from a previous rider- Steve Oden.  The term is "Peaking and Troughing."  It means he sensation of waves of feeling great and then terrible repeatedly.  That is exactly what cycling is like.  There are great parts and not so great parts- and my first few days have been full of both.  (I will write more later.)

Fears

SATURDAY, 5/21/11

Somehow I went from 102 days left to 11 days left to being on the Amtrak headed for New York, New York. We will be kicking off on a 4500 mile bike ride in less than 48 hours. 4500 miles. On a bike.

I have talked about how cool this trip would be since my freshman year. And we have been having team meetings and group trainings since November- 8 months in the making. And now it's actually here. There is no turning back. But I'm not even nervous- at least not yet. It really hasn't hit me at all. It feels like I am just on an awesome road trip with my friend to NYC. But I am sure as soon as Monday comes and I am officially in my bike shorts, I will have a full blown panic attack. There has been a total of 2 other times in my life I have had this happen.

The first was when my parents dropped me off at college. I was pumped to go to UIUC- and then I got on campus and saw hundreds of students saying goodbye to their parents. That's when my stomach flip flopped at least a dozen times. Studying abroad in Ecuador was the second time. I was nothing but excited until my plane took off from O'Hare headed to Quito, Ecuador. That is when the reality hit me and I frantically started skimming though my Spanish to English dictionary.

So here I am again- 4 years after my freshman year of college, and a whole year after my 5 month stay in Ecuador. And I feel the same passive nervousness and excitement I had the other times, just waiting for the exact moment when I freak out.

And there are many reasons I should be freaking out. For starters my “training regimen” the past couple weeks consisted of eating out at all of my favorite restaurants (IMPERIAL PALCACE!), sleeping, having 1 jumbo margarita, a couple Bud Light Limes at Dina & Michaels grad party, shopping, watching TV, going to the movies, getting a massage, and packing. I like to justify myself by telling myself I was indulging myself with all the things I won't be able to have for the next 72 days. And I did at least go on a 20 mile and 52 mile bike ride with my dad (I should have been training with him the whole time). But to say the least I am not as in shape as I would have thought I would be in entering a cross country bike ride. C'est la vie.

With the help of all my team mates we came up with a compiled list of all of our other fears that we have for the trip. I think I will feel better if we just say them- and while you are reading these, may I direct you to my previous blog post titled “Why Not” which lists all of the reasons why I want to do the ride (which of course outweigh all of my fears).

• Not being able to fit everything in my backpack without Grandma Bev
• Living out of a backpack all summer
• Going 72 days with 5 pairs of underwear and 4 t-shirts and 1 pair of jeans.
• Giving up the luxury of long hot showers. Or giving up showers period.
• Having to use public bathrooms 24/7.
• Eating PB&J everyday.
• BO
• farmer tans
• Having to change a flat tire- or worse.
• Mountains/BIG HILLS
• Never ending roads
• Giving up the luxury of a bed for 72 days.
• Knee pain
• Butt sores
• Hamstring pain
• Quad pain
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Any other pain I forgot to mention
• Having to take Tylenol everyday for the pain
• Possibly getting a yeast infection
• Wondering when I can get to a laundry mat. Or washing my clothes in sink
• Getting sick on the trip
• sunburn
• Waking up before 7am everyday
• Rain
• HEADWIND
• Bike breaking
• Getting lost
• “Accidentally getting lost and riding into Canada without a passport and getting stopped by border control”- Ellie Spitz
• Hitting an animal or roadkill
• Dogs chasing you
• Going to NYC without heels or makeup
• Heat stroke
• dehydration
• Constipation
• Team Drama
• Ron and I getting divorced before we get married
• Swallowing bugs on the bike
• Falling off the bike
  
• Gaining weight
• Having manly overly muscular legs at the end of the trip
• Snakes
• Bears
• Mountain Lions
• Not having time alone with Ron
• Having to deal with my TOM on the trip
• hairiness
• Dirtiness
• Stomach aches on the trip
• Not having enough food
• Gravel
• Temperature extremes
• Traffic- riding my bike in NYC
• Not being able to find a bathroom
• Tornados
• “I'm fearless”- Gedion
  
  

I wish I could say I was fearless like Gedion. But I'm not. I'm scared out of my mind. I just have to go in the trip knowing that the first dozen days are going to suck. They are going to be hard, painful, and uncomfortable. It will take a while for our bodies to adjust and to get into a routine. I will just have to push through it. And hopefully by the end of the trip I will have conquered all of my/our fears- hopefully with the exception of tornados and bears :)

“Without fear or risk, there are no rewards.”

Packing

THANKS TO GRANDMA BEV AND HER"MAGIC WAND" (I HAVE NO OTHER EXPLANATION FOR HOW SHE MANAGES TO MAKE EVERYTHING FIT) I MANAGED TO PACK ALL OF THIS INTO 1 BACKPACK (NOT INCLUDING MY CAMEL BAK, SLEEPING BAG, OR SLEEPING PAD OR BIKE OBVIOUSLY).  1 BACKPACK FOR 72 DAYS.  GOES TO SHOW ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE! :)

Bike

saddle bag

air pump

lube

patch kit

multi tool

water bottle/camel pack

spare tube

tire levers

bike lock

computer

license/Health insurance card

hygiene

soap (body/shampoo) 

conditioner

toothpaste/toothbrush

Sun block (Stick and lotion)

shaving gel

razor

MAKEUP (Concearler, FRESH lip color, eyeliner, mascara)

lotion

face soap

deodorant

travel brush

camping towel (ex.large)

lufa

Feminine wipes

Tech.

camera

ipod

charger(s) (phone, camera, ipod, computer)

phone

Mac

Packing Misc.

compression sack (2)

sleeping bag

sleeping pad

water proof sack

flash light/headlight

clippers

Bike Clothes

ear warmer

arm warmers

under armor pants

knee warmers

socks – 1 wool

2 team jerseys

bike shorts (3 + old pair)

3 sport bras

bike shoes

helmet

gloves (biking gloves, winter gloves)

rain coat

Other clothes

sweat pants

underwear (5)

long sleeve shirt

T-shirts (2 team ones, 2 extra)

1 regular bra

maroon Nike fleece sweater

work out shorts (black nike pair)

2 casual shirt

jean capris

swim suite

Misc.

Gallon zip lock bags

sharpie, pen

hand sanitizer

chap stick

pillow

Chamois butter

Medicine

BC

Advil and Tylenol

Anitbiotic prescription (yeast infections/sinus/strep)

Vitamins (Women's daily & Vitamin D)

Tampons

BeneFiber Packets
Bandaids
Cough Drops
Neosporin

*snacks for train

*business cards

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Training Ride #5 Part 2

So pretty much there was the good:

1. The fact that there were not any flat tires
2. The games we played to pass the time on desolate roads- singing songs (good thing we are a biking team and not a choir is all I have to say lol), going through the alphabet with a category (ex. Disney Movies: Alice & Wonderland, Bambi, Cinderella, Dumbo, etc.)
3. Flying down downhills
4. My CamelBak :)  (I had my doubts about carrying one on my back, but it came in handy not only keeping me hydrated easily, but also for extra space for carrying stuff.)
5. The last 15 miles
6. The fact that it actually didn't rain 
7. Advil!
8. Baby Wipes
9. Crossing the Indiana State Border.  1st border crossing on my bike!
10. The fact that I did it

There was the bad:

1. Steep Uphills
2. Getting lost a handful of times
3. Detours due to flooded roads
4. Gravel Roads
5. >50 mile an hour winds
6. My quads tightening up

The ugly:

1. My knees hurting
2. All contact areas of my body to my bike seat hurt
3. Having to pee like a race horse (I never got this saying, but what was more frustrating was the fact that I was not on a horse, nor were we even close to racing speeds.  They kept telling me that a Casey's Gas Station was only 2 miles away.  Then 5 miles later- it was just 2 more miles.  Just a couple more...LIES!  I never made it to a Casey's until after I went in the woods.  It was more like 20 miles away.)

Probably one of the worst moments I had was right before our lunch break at about mile 50.  We were hungry, I had to pee, we were sore and tired after 50 miles and knew that we were barely over half way there.  We made it to a small park where the sag vehicle was waiting for us (a van will follow us during the trip to carry our bags, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads.  And also to carry water for refills and a cooler with food.)  We had PB&J's.  And I know I said that I did not care for PB&J's, but let me tell you it was the BEST PB&J I ever had.  But before the sandwich I still had to go to the bathroom- since we had not come across a Casey's yet.  And of course there were no bathrooms.  So I had to suck it up and go squat in the trees.  Problem is not only is it hard to squat after riding a bike for 50 miles, but I have had minimal experience going to the bathroom outside.  It is usually an experience I try to avoid at all  costs.  But this time I had no choice- and my lowest of all low moments was when I successfully managed to get pee on my bike shorts.  NOT OK!!!  I was livid.  However I was very lucky and had an extra pair of shorts packed in my bag which was in the van.  I got to change but it did not give me very positive thoughts.

We rode a total of 95 miles that day- just short of a century ride.  The ride took us 11 hours and 30 minutes including all of our rest stops and water breaks and detours.  We got in just as we were running out of sunlight.  We were lucky that the sag vehicle and the first groups in helped set up camp and all the tents.  I know for a fact I wouldn't have been able to handle setting up a tent in the dark after riding a bike for 90+ miles.  I would have lost it.  I almost did trying to find all my stuff and change clothes in the dark.  Also, there were no showers, so I got to "bathe" by wiping myself down with baby wipes.  I honestly can say that I reeked.  We all smelled.  Gross.  Gross. Gross.

Dinner was also already prepared for us- lentils and white rice. mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm  But let me say that it was the BEST lentils and white rice I ever had.  Same with the sleeping arrangements.  I would not classify myself as a "camper" per say- I actually don't remember the last time I had been camping.  Something about outhouses and sleeping on the ground isn't appealing to me- but I was thrilled just to lay down on the sleeping pad.

I hit the sack fast as soon as I ate and washed my bowl with the water pump (in the dark).  The only person who passed out before me was Ron.  He surprisingly was just as sore and tired and disgruntled as I was.  His exact words were, "it was miserable."  Which I couldn't disagree.  And we still had to wake up at 6am to pack up camp, get ready and ride 30 miles back to Champaign the next day.  

Not that it was hard to wake up.  I didn't sleep very good and the Turkeys were gobbling at the crack of dawn (which thrilled Ron).  I got my bike clothes back on, repacked my bag, rolled up my sleeping bag and sleeping pad, took down the tent, checked my bike (put lights back on, check for air in tires, etc.)- a lot more than I usually accomplish before 7 a.m..

We had cereal for breakfast in the same bowls we had with our lentils.  You could definitely tell that we washed the dishes in the dark with all the leftover sediments in the bowl.  We re-washed our dishes, I brushed my teeth in the water pump, went to the bathroom (because I learned from the previous day never to pass up a bathroom even if you don't have to go) in the outhouse and was reminded why I never go camping.  I do not like camping and thank God that our team is only planning on camping about 3 or 4 times the entire summer.  The rest of our stay overs will be mostly in churches with electricity and running water.

And then miraculously, I have no idea how, I got back on my bike even though my butt was bruised and my body ached and I had gotten less than 10 hours of sleep the past 48 hours.  I rode with Ron in a group for the first time.  I think he was frustrated because he kept having to slow down for me or another girl in the group.  He just wanted to get the hell home.  We all did.  We made it back in town before noon.  

Having over a hundred miles behind us definitely opened my eyes.  Word for word, one of the board members and previous riders told us that this was supposed to give us a taste of what this summer was going to be like.  Gulp.  Actually a lot of four letter words came across my mind.   That ride was excruciatingly difficult.  And I have been laying in around like a vegetable ever since.  I have been hiding from my bike like it is going to buck me off it like a bull as soon as I get on.  I know this is detrimental in training- not training at all- which scares me even more.  

It was a very humbling experience to say the least.  And I'm sad to say that my excitement for this trip has been masked my fear ever since.  How the heck am I going to do that every day for 72 days???  Ron said himself, once we were on our way home to Springfield in the comfort of a car, that it was going to be a longggg summer if that is what it is going to be like.

I can't stop thinking what have I gotten myself into?  What if I will be miserable?  

I guess I have to hold fast to a prayer and just keep pedaling- like Dory says in Finding Nemo.  "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming."  

Training Ride #5 Part 1

Fact:  The days until our trip is dwindling.  12 Days and counting....t.w.e.l.v.e.  doce, a dozen, less than 2 weeks, too close to being able to count with my hands

(Fact:  The money in my bank account is also dwindling.)

Fact:  I am scared out of my mind.  Afraid, nervous, anxious, fearful, have cold feet, panicky, petrified, and terrified.



We had our last team training ride last Saturday (April 30).  It was designed to mock what an actual day would be like during the summer- complete with packing, water stops, PB&J's, and an overnight stay.  We rode 90+ miles and it was the hardest thing I have ever done.  period.

Ron and I packed our brand new team-issued back packs (which is a whole other issue in itself) the night before.  My bag was nearly packed full for one overnight stay.  I somehow have to pack for 72 days in the same bag.  Before 6am on Saturday morning, we were running through Walmart to pick up fruit, Cliff Bars, sunblock, and baby wipes. :)

We made it to Champaign at 7:45am and loaded our bags, sleeping pads, and sleeping bags into the van.  Then we got to choose our own teams for the first time- I rode with 6 other girls- TEAM STARBURST :)  (All of us had bright colorful raincoats)

And we pedaled - and we pedaled - and we pedaled some more.  One thing I learned during the ride is that you no longer break down the day by time.  Your day is ruled and divided by milage and rest stops. Have you ever gone to work or maybe a class-someplace where you want the time to pass really really fast-and you look at your watch every 5 minutes and time just seems to crawl?  You swear an hour has passed-and it really has been only 15 minutes....that is exactly what riding a bike is like.   I can ride what seems like forever and then I stop and find out it has only been 15 miles.  Crap.  80 miles to go.

Or you can break down the ride by the beginning of the day- the first mile- where you are full of energy, you are rested and ready to go with a positive attitude for the day-but there always is that lingering thought about how far you actually have to go.  Then there is the last mile-where you feel on top of the world-not just because you can finally get off your darn bike but also because you know how far you went.  It is really similar to a runner's high- a burst of energy where you feel like you could actually keep going.  And then of course there is the 93 miles in between.  And those miles are a whole other story.

There are high highs and low lows.  And honestly it is all mental.  You have a lot of time to think while moving at speeds at 9 miles an hour against the wind.  And it is so easy to let negative thoughts fill your head- especially when all you can see ahead of you is a never ending road.  I found it helpful to come up with a list of positive things to think about- such as wedding plans, or cities I am going to get to see, or food; but there are times those thoughts don't prevail, such as when we have a three mile gravel road to travel or we just realized a road is flooded and we have to add a couple mile detour to our ride or even better when we just realized we rode 3 miles uphill in the wrong direction.  Those are the times I contemplate how much money I could sell my bike for.

Those are the times I literally found myself praying.  Well sort of.  I would say in my head, "God please make this road end."  Or "God, please stop the wind."  Or "God, what I would do for a chicken chipotle burrito right now."  Or "God, please turn my bike into a motorcycle."  And I know there was a dozen times at one point on my trip I prayed for a gas station or any form of a public bathroom because I was literally going to pee my pants.

But then I really did have an "ah-hah" moment.  In no way shape or form did it make my discomfort or incessant whining go away, but it did help me keep going.  This is the whole point of the trip that they tell us about.  Previous riders and board members always tell us to think about what the cancer patients go through- the pain and discomfort and long roads to recovery (no pun intended) that they had no control over.  And they don't get a free pass out.  They can't just wake up one day and be completely free of cancer.  Just like God clearly wasn't going to make an engine appear on the back of my bike or a toilet appear in the middle of the road.  All you can ask for is positive thoughts to get you through it.  And coming up with positive thoughts has to be a whole lot easier when all you have to complain about is something like the wind instead of chemo.

Training Ride #4

Our second to last training ride was during Easter weekend which gave us 3 different options for training days in case you were planning on going home on Saturday (or working in my case).  I chose to do the 75 mile route on Thursday morning with a group of only 3 other riders.  The route was about 75 miles long and took us through a variety of small urban towns including Rantoul and Fisher which have busier roads than we have previously encountered.   This ride proved to be the toughest one to date- for more than the obvious reasons.


Obviously it was the hardest training ride because it was the farthest we have gone so far- 75 miles is no cake walk.  And riding that long of a distance only proved that my body can hurt in more places than one.  I was actually excited that for once I didn't feel so much of a pain in my neck and shoulders- I thought I was on my way to riding like the next Lance Armstrong...that was until my left knee started hurting.  And then my quads started cramping up a little bit, but that wasn't really noticeable considering how bad my knee hurt.  I actually popped some Advil and even adjusted the height of my seat by a couple of centimeters.  It seemed to help however I don't know it was the adjustment or just the Advil.  


It was also a little difficult considering that we got lost so much that we ended up just forgetting our cues and making up our own route for the most part- I can specifically remember asking for directions twice- but I am sure there has to be more.  Without some form of an internal compass, you cannot tell which cornfield is west and which one is east.


And in between a ferocious dog chase and riding through traffic jammed intersections- my saddle sores set in.  The medically accurate definition of a  saddle sore, for those of you who don't know is: "a human skin ailment on the buttocks due to, or exacerbated by, cycling on a bicycle saddle."  The definition goes on to add a lovely description of the 3 stages including skin abrasions, folliculitis, and abscess.  I luckily haven't had any of those aliments (however it gives me something to look forward to).  I without a doubt had the sore part down though- definite bruising and possible swelling.  


...and on a good note....I DID IT!  The real question is though if I can get myself on the saddle the following day-and the day after that- because that is what I will be doing this summer.  Which by the way is 26 days and counting.  2 more meetings and one more training ride to go.  No big deal.


"Todays Pain is Tomorrows Strength." -or something like that :)

Training Ride #3

     "This weekend we're going to take a trip out to Allerton Park. Round
trip, the journey is about 62 miles and we'll be departing Allen Hall
at 8am.  Also, if it's raining (which is a very real
chance looking at the current forecast), we will be riding and front
and rear lights will be mandatory for safety reasons."

Training Ride #2

To catch my blog up to speed (if you are behind- look at the previous 2 posts at least where I introduce our first training ride and then more importantly the post titled Mahalo is dedicated to everyone who has supported me and donated to the Illini 4000)- last Saturday (4/9/11) I had my second training ride with my team.  The team always meets on campus bright and early (only in this case it wasn't bright).  The training route was roughly 50 miles and took us to the small neighboring towns of Seymour and Mahomet and back.  This is what I learned from that ride:

• You ride your bike in rain or shine.  Ron and I left for Champaign from Springfield at 6:15 am with our bikes in the back of the minivan in a thunderstorm.  We then stopped at Walmart to buy cheap rain jackets to hold us over for the day.
• Before we took off on our bikes the team had a tutorial on how to change a flat tire....fyi if you have a flat tire do not come looking for help from me.  It was raining- it was early- and there were lots of technical terms and air pumps and patch kits and tire levers....I could do it but I am just saying I wouldn't be your safest bet.  It is going to take me a couple times  before I am a pro.  (Or in my opinion that is what Ron is for.....right??) lol  

• We were told to expect to get a flat at least 5 times on the entire trip- some people were well on their way considering 2 people in my group got flat tires the same day during our training ride.
• I hate riding in traffic.  It is even worse riding your bike in traffic up a ramp.
• Just because you have cues for directions does not mean you won't get lost.  My group got lost at least 3 times.
• My group decided to have a hygiene conversation (unfortunately for the men) during one of our snack breaks.  Hygiene is one of my most serious concerns for this summer- considering I will be working out the majority of the day, not wearing any underwear (I stated in my earlier posts that it is ill advised to wear underwear under your bike shorts due to chaffing), and not having access to long hot showers like I would at home.  Gross, I know.  But as soon as the topic of bladder and yeast infections came up the guys in my group got queasy.  And one of my favorite quotes from the day was from our ride leader (who rode on the trip last year), Pi.  He said, "Just bring lots of baby wipes."  haha  It was funny coming from him, but sadly it probably is good advice.
• Another one of my favorite quotes of the day was from Connor.  He said, "When in doubt- dip it in peanut butter."  I am going to have to learn to like the stuff sooner or later- I do agree it is good with grapes (not jelly- just grapes)
• I learned that I need to learn how to pull up on my pedal (my shoes are clipped into my pedals) as well as pushing down in order to get full momentum and not put all the strain on just my quads.  This is a lot harder than it sounds.  Because when I pull up, I forget to push- it seems like I can only do one or the other.  It is either pull pull pull pull or push push push push.  I need to master push pull push pull with my legs and feet.
• I learned that you can take a nap anywhere with your helmet as a pillow.  While one of our teammates was changing his flat tire (the second one of the day) we had nothing to do but wait for 15 minutes so we went over off the side of the road right by a farm field of dirt and took a siesta.
• Falling off your bike is not uncommon as you would think.  Myself (third fall and counting) and at least 2 other of my teammates took a spill.
• I learned to expect the unexpected and to add at least 2 hours to the expected time of arrival.  We were supposed to be back around 1:30pm or 2:00 at the absolute latest.  Well we didn't take into account two flat tires and getting lost a few times along the way.  And then you have snack breaks and side of the road siestas.  We didn't get back until 3:30pm.  Which was really unfortunate for me because I had to be at work at 5:00pm in Springfield.  (That is a completely different and incredibly not-so-fun story that I don't like to talk about because I would rather not relive it.  I would rather focus on how much fun the day actually was instead of how awful rushing to work was after riding 50 miles and serving lobster on a unfathomably busy Saturday night.  I was physically and mentally drained and on top of it fried from the sun.  But again- not going to talk about it.  I survived.)

• #1 thing I took away from training ride #2 was: DO NOT FORGET SUN BLOCK!!!!!  uugghh  Since it was so gloomy and stormy out in the morning I wasn't planning on taking off my rain jacket so I didn't put any SPF on.  Zero.  None.  Zip.  Nada.  And when it was 1pm the sun was beating down and it got up to 80 degrees.  So I had to take the jacket off- and I paid dearly.  I don't think I have ever been that burnt on my shoulders (I was wearing a sports bra tank top under my jacket).  Not OK.  

*I have also officially started to get my biker short tan :)  Super sexy!

Training Ride #1

Here is what I know:

• There is only 39 days left until the ride
• Our team has collected $95,467 so far
• I need to go work out
• The team is required to ride at least 500 miles before the trip starts
• I have completed 2 team training rides the past 2 Saturdays (the first one was 37 miles and last week was 50 miles)  and have 3 more to go.

During my first training ride I learned a lot.  Our first ride- Saturday April 2nd- took us to and around Homer Lake Forest Preserve which made a grand total of our first 37 miles.  It was also alumni weekend for past riders of the Illini 4000 and riders from all of the past 4 years came out to ride with us!  (Even one of the founders of the organization was there!)  I got lots of great tips and learned a lot from past riders.  

One former rider who rode in my group was Steve and I asked him why he chose to do the ride last year and I was shocked to hear that he did it because he is actually a caner survivor himself...he was diagnosed with testicular cancer when he was only 17 years old!  This amazes me- this guy who is practically the same age as me not only has already rode his bike across America, but also has fought cancer- all in only 21 years.  It crazy to think because he is just like me- going to school, outgoing, and part of the Illini 4000- I would never have guessed he had cancer before.  Sometimes I think that cancer is only for older people or for people who aren't in shape but that is not true at all.  I was reminded that day that anyone can suffer from it.

I also learned that riding a bike is not as easy as it looks- especially in a group.  The most important thing that we focused on during our first ride together was communication.  It is very vital to be able to communicate directions and upcoming hazards to the rest of your group.  The person in the front of the line has to be the eyes for the person behind him and everyone up to the very back of the line. And the person at the back has to be the eyes for everyone in front of him and the person in the very front.  Everyone has to be alert, communicate and signal the entire ride.  It is kind of like a never ending game of telephone.  Common sayings are:

• "Slowing"
• "Stopping"
• "Rolling"  (aka moving)
• "Left turn"
• "Right turn"
• "Car up"  (aka car coming)
• "Car back"
• "Passing"  (Car or other motor vehicle passing)
• "Grate left/right"
• "Stick left/right"
• "Hole left/right"
• "Gravel"
• "Bump"
• "Tracks" (Railroad Tracks)
• "Clear"  (Road is clear for cars at the moment)
• "Gap"  (When there is too big of a gap between bikers in your group)
• And you can't forget any mics. items such as "Bud Light can left" or "Road kill right"

This can get very tedious and at times sound like a really annoying  parrot especially in urban streets where there is something to yell every second and everything gets repeated as it goes down the line up to 8 times (since there is a maximum number of 8 people in a group.)

I learned that I hate the wind.  The wind was extremely strong the day of our first ride and at times I am positive I could have been walking faster than I was riding my bike.  I was told by previous riders that the wind was the worst element to battle- they would rather climb mountains that go into the wind.

I learned that your legs are not the parts to get sore first during the ride- and its not your butt either.  It is your neck and shoulders.  They killed me during that ride.

I learned from a past rider that if you get lost along the ride you can assume that any direction uphill or into the wind is the right way to go.

I learned that snacks are important to have- because there are a lot of snack breaks.

I learned from previous riders that the I4K was the best thing that they have ever done (it is unanimous from everyone I have talked to)

I learned how to play "Chicken on the Roof" which is a ridiculous ice-breaker game you play with a partner.  Ron and David won hahahahahaha  (You had to be there)

I also learned that 37 miles into the wind was no cake walk.