Winds of Change

They say that the wind can change in any given moment.  That happened to me today.  Did just an hour on the bike as I had a bundle of hyper energy and adrenaline I needed to get ride of .  Headed out on my usual route and was even contemplating going a little further as the ride seemed to be going good and the winds didn't seem to be as bad as I thought they would be.  Bonus was that cycling along the water always brings me peace.  How wrong I was.  Stopped after 25 minutes at my usual spot (which was giving me a better time heading out) and then decided to head back.  That was when the winds changed on me.  No wonder I had done well heading out.  The winds had been at my back...now they were pushing me back and to the side.  Every pedal stroke seemed like an effort.  The more I pushed, the harder the wind became.  Gearing down or up?  My brain froze.  It seemed every gear I chose was the wrong one.  I even wondered at one point if I would have to find another route home or even *gasp* get off the bike.  And then the words of my friend V came to me:  "Jill, just think about the next 2 minutes.  That's all that's in your head space.  Just the next 2 minutes.  And then when those 2 minutes are up, think about the next 2 minutes!"   Well, it worked!  I threw everything out of my head except concentrating on my pedal strokes for those next 2 minutes.  And the two minutes after that.

Oh and the only other thing in my head?  PINK singing "Raise Your Glass".

So thanks to V and Pink, the changing winds did not divert me from my path nor my goal.   And I was able to "raise my glass" (of chocolate milk) after my ride. 

Raise Your Glass - Pink

If you would like to donate to my ride effort, please click on the link below.  I appreciate your help.

http://www.conquercancer.ca/site/TR/Events/Montreal2013?px=2645026&pg=personal&fr_id=1451

Why I'm Doing What I'm Doing

This blog is a journey.  A journey of self discovery and setting goals.  In less than a year, the 2013 Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer will be held.  Money raised will go to support cancer patients and their families.  I'm going to do this to honour my friend Jennifer who passed away in August 2012 at the young age of 49 from this dreaded disease.   Before she died, we spoke on the phone and her last words to me were: "Jill, don't forget to live!" This is my way of paying her back.

I have been on my road bike now for about a week.  The bike is an older one, given to me by a friend of mine.  I've had the bike fitting done, and have upgraded a few parts.  I've fallen, scraped and bruised my knees and elbows (and other parts I won't mention) but have gotten back up and on that bike.  I feel a sense of freedom when I am riding which I don't seem to find anywhere else.

After a week of riding, here is what I have learned:

1 - bruises heal
2 - some car drivers are great..some are a**hats
3 - it doesn't matter how far you ride but the feeling you get during and after
4 - I should do my bike ride in the morning or evening but not during the heat of the day
5 - early morning rides are absolutely breathtaking
6 - bugs are not tasty no matter what time of day
7 - Chafing cream is going on my 'to buy' list
8 - When you set a goal, it can be achieved if you put your mind to it
9 - The best feeling in the world is having someone believe in you without them actually saying the words
and the final thing I learned:
10 - The road I travel will not defeat me

If you would like to donate to my ride effort, please click on the link below.  I appreciate your help.
http://www.conquercancer.ca/site/TR/Events/Montreal2013?px=2645026&pg=personal&fr_id=1451