Read Pauline's story and support my fundraising in her memory.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Selling my Cannondale to raise funds for MS
The 2008 Cannondale I rode for the Valero Bike to the Beach, donated to me by The Bicycle Schack of Boerne, is now up for sale on eBay at this link. All funds from the sale will be donated to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Read Pauline's story and support my fundraising in her memory.
Read Pauline's story and support my fundraising in her memory.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Surprised myself; rode the entire 164-mile route
It's been busy since Sunday, when I crossed the Finish Line for the 19th annual Valero Bike to the Beach! Yes, that's correct; with just 9 weeks training I completed the 164-mile, 2-day fundraiser. I felt so strong on the first day that I opted to ride the 100-mile route...I need to be BOLD in all that I do to make a difference, just like you did with your donation! Thank you so, so much for your support.
This note it going out from my heart to all donors and supporters of my personal cause, as I attempted to fundraise in Pauline's memory, and also raise as much money to maximize the $50,000 matching offer made to me 10 weeks ago!
You'll remember, somebody dared me. Actually they challenged me, basically saying that they doubted my ability to even be ready to line up for the ride, and if I did ride I wouldn't finish! You know me well, that kind of challenge is like a red flag to a bull, right?
So I slogged through high temperatures, leg cramps (aided later by heavy Pickle Juice consumption), very high and relentless head winds on both days (gusting to 28 MPH).
Pauline's Last Hurrah team lined up with 69 members! We crossed the Finish Line having fund-raised $105,000...and counting! This does NOT include the matching of $50,000 for my fundraising. As of today my personal total is at $49,100, just shy of $50K. There is a fundraising momentum in place that I believe will carry me beyond $50,000 by this weekend.
My brother David, and Pauline's youngest son Jeramie (a.k.a Jez) flew in from Australia to ride with me and for Pauline. Actually, I ended up riding in her memory, but also adopted a little girl (Mallory Reid) as my Champion, a program at the Society that allows us to connect with someone living with MS. Mallory is all of 6 years old, and was diagnosed with MS at the ripe old age of 2! Unacceptable, right?
The ride was a hugely emotional-filled adventure. It was an awesome time for the three amigos. Lots and lots of "ata boys" coming from the crowd, riders, volunteers, staff and other folks living with MS, all proud of the three of us riding in Pauline's memory. We were quite the buzz of the weekend!
David is quite the athlete, and of the three of us the Lance Armstrong equivalent. David finished both days in record time, taking no prisoners, just getting it done! But I'm proud of our first-day accomplishment, because the three of us took up and completed the 100-mile optional route! Geez, I hope Pauline appreciates that, my bum hurt all night... :-)
Youth is wasted on the young! Jez raced ahead and finished well ahead of his uncles on the first day. Dave waited for his older brother at the 93-mile mark, which was the ending mark for almost everyone else, but the two Ralf brothers met up and made it a Century Ride together. We circled through the route and headed for the finish line, and rode across the line in victorious salute to Pauline to thunderous applause and lots and lots of "yahoos" and praise from the announcer of the PA system. Then my boss doused me in ice-cold water...
David headed out on Sunday with the HOLT CAT team at 7 a.m., 30 minutes before the official start. They wanted to get a head start on the anticipated 28-knot head winds forecast for Sunday, the second day.
The PA announcer was calling my name to come up to the front of the Start, as my boss grabbed the microphone and sought encouragement from the 3,000 cyclists for me to lead off the group...I was pumped!
The day proved to be very difficult. The head wind was constant throughout the day, exhausting and relentless! But we weren't to be denied our victory. David finished the event at about 11 am, 4 hours after he started the 64-mile journey. Jez unfortunately was hit by another cyclist as he was helping another cyclist with a flat tire. Jez rode to our lunch stop, and the Medical staff diagnosed a strained Achilles tendon. Strapped it up and told him to call it a day! So my boss drove him from lunch to the Finish Line. He was disappointed, but was in no condition to pedal the remaining 30-plus miles with such an injury.
That left just one family member out on the route. It's amazing how lonely it can be riding in an event with 3,000 riders! The wind just strung us all out, and when we did pass each other we were so exhausted it was difficult to even say "hello!"
We passed a beautiful field filled with thousands of sunflowers in full bloom, tracking the sun across the sky, Pauline grew sunflowers at home. That began the emotional turmoil in me, as it conjured thoughts of Pauline, and so began the hardest leg for me. But I wasn't about to give up.
I arrived at the last rest stop before the finish, just 12 miles away. A good friend and cycling mentor rode back out from the Finish to escort me along the final leg of this journey. I noticed some of the official vehicles (vans, police escort, motorcycles) giving me the thumbs up as rode this final leg. I found out later that the entire HAM Radio network, about 150-200 operators, had been given instructions to track my every step for the entire 2 days. So the radio chatter had increased during the final hour.
Then we met the Corpus Christi Harbor Bridge, the last mile of the journey. The arc of the bridge's road surface is as steep as the arc of the Sydney Bridge! So you can imagine I wasn't looking forward to this final challenge. But I did it, my friend was encouraging me all the way, riding alongside me as I slowly, ever so slowly pedaled. It hurt so much. I didn't ever look for the top of the bridge. Just kept looking at the road surface, thinking of Pauline and hearing my friend's encouragement, "Come on Tony, you can do it for Pauline..."
I reached the top, physically drained, and that's when the realization hit me like a truck...I'd done it! Coasting down the other side of the bridge was exhilarating, picking up speeds of 30 MPH.
There had been a stream of riders standing out of my way, hugging the side of the bridge, which I thought was a bit odd, but later found out they'd been asked to wait there for my passing...
Then I saw police flashing lights ahead of me as two local police pursuit vehicles pulled out in front of me. I thought I was going to be busted for speeding!
What happened was that the HAM radio chatter had cleared the course for my arrival. The police were there to escort me the final 1,000 meters to the finish, sirens on and lights flashing.
Sorry, but here's where the emotion bubbled up and the tears I'd been holding back ever since the sunflower field 2 hours earlier just poured fourth. I was greeted by thousands of onlookers, the DJ was saying something about me, Pauline, the team and the fundraising, but it didn't mean anything to me. I was sobbing like a new born baby as I crossed the finish line to the roaring applause. It's got me welling up now just reliving it and writing it for you!
I rounded the corner heading along the final 200 meters to the parking lot where I was met by my ever-supportive and sobbing wife, Bow, Jez...David hiding his tears behind his sunglasses (he has to remain cool), and a mass of people just wanting to share in the emotion of the moment.
It was a wonderful outpouring for Pauline's memory.
R.I.P. my dear Pauline...this one was for you xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
This note it going out from my heart to all donors and supporters of my personal cause, as I attempted to fundraise in Pauline's memory, and also raise as much money to maximize the $50,000 matching offer made to me 10 weeks ago!
You'll remember, somebody dared me. Actually they challenged me, basically saying that they doubted my ability to even be ready to line up for the ride, and if I did ride I wouldn't finish! You know me well, that kind of challenge is like a red flag to a bull, right?
So I slogged through high temperatures, leg cramps (aided later by heavy Pickle Juice consumption), very high and relentless head winds on both days (gusting to 28 MPH).
Pauline's Last Hurrah team lined up with 69 members! We crossed the Finish Line having fund-raised $105,000...and counting! This does NOT include the matching of $50,000 for my fundraising. As of today my personal total is at $49,100, just shy of $50K. There is a fundraising momentum in place that I believe will carry me beyond $50,000 by this weekend.
My brother David, and Pauline's youngest son Jeramie (a.k.a Jez) flew in from Australia to ride with me and for Pauline. Actually, I ended up riding in her memory, but also adopted a little girl (Mallory Reid) as my Champion, a program at the Society that allows us to connect with someone living with MS. Mallory is all of 6 years old, and was diagnosed with MS at the ripe old age of 2! Unacceptable, right?
The ride was a hugely emotional-filled adventure. It was an awesome time for the three amigos. Lots and lots of "ata boys" coming from the crowd, riders, volunteers, staff and other folks living with MS, all proud of the three of us riding in Pauline's memory. We were quite the buzz of the weekend!
David is quite the athlete, and of the three of us the Lance Armstrong equivalent. David finished both days in record time, taking no prisoners, just getting it done! But I'm proud of our first-day accomplishment, because the three of us took up and completed the 100-mile optional route! Geez, I hope Pauline appreciates that, my bum hurt all night... :-)
Youth is wasted on the young! Jez raced ahead and finished well ahead of his uncles on the first day. Dave waited for his older brother at the 93-mile mark, which was the ending mark for almost everyone else, but the two Ralf brothers met up and made it a Century Ride together. We circled through the route and headed for the finish line, and rode across the line in victorious salute to Pauline to thunderous applause and lots and lots of "yahoos" and praise from the announcer of the PA system. Then my boss doused me in ice-cold water...
David headed out on Sunday with the HOLT CAT team at 7 a.m., 30 minutes before the official start. They wanted to get a head start on the anticipated 28-knot head winds forecast for Sunday, the second day.
The PA announcer was calling my name to come up to the front of the Start, as my boss grabbed the microphone and sought encouragement from the 3,000 cyclists for me to lead off the group...I was pumped!
The day proved to be very difficult. The head wind was constant throughout the day, exhausting and relentless! But we weren't to be denied our victory. David finished the event at about 11 am, 4 hours after he started the 64-mile journey. Jez unfortunately was hit by another cyclist as he was helping another cyclist with a flat tire. Jez rode to our lunch stop, and the Medical staff diagnosed a strained Achilles tendon. Strapped it up and told him to call it a day! So my boss drove him from lunch to the Finish Line. He was disappointed, but was in no condition to pedal the remaining 30-plus miles with such an injury.
That left just one family member out on the route. It's amazing how lonely it can be riding in an event with 3,000 riders! The wind just strung us all out, and when we did pass each other we were so exhausted it was difficult to even say "hello!"
We passed a beautiful field filled with thousands of sunflowers in full bloom, tracking the sun across the sky, Pauline grew sunflowers at home. That began the emotional turmoil in me, as it conjured thoughts of Pauline, and so began the hardest leg for me. But I wasn't about to give up.
I arrived at the last rest stop before the finish, just 12 miles away. A good friend and cycling mentor rode back out from the Finish to escort me along the final leg of this journey. I noticed some of the official vehicles (vans, police escort, motorcycles) giving me the thumbs up as rode this final leg. I found out later that the entire HAM Radio network, about 150-200 operators, had been given instructions to track my every step for the entire 2 days. So the radio chatter had increased during the final hour.
Then we met the Corpus Christi Harbor Bridge, the last mile of the journey. The arc of the bridge's road surface is as steep as the arc of the Sydney Bridge! So you can imagine I wasn't looking forward to this final challenge. But I did it, my friend was encouraging me all the way, riding alongside me as I slowly, ever so slowly pedaled. It hurt so much. I didn't ever look for the top of the bridge. Just kept looking at the road surface, thinking of Pauline and hearing my friend's encouragement, "Come on Tony, you can do it for Pauline..."
I reached the top, physically drained, and that's when the realization hit me like a truck...I'd done it! Coasting down the other side of the bridge was exhilarating, picking up speeds of 30 MPH.
There had been a stream of riders standing out of my way, hugging the side of the bridge, which I thought was a bit odd, but later found out they'd been asked to wait there for my passing...
Then I saw police flashing lights ahead of me as two local police pursuit vehicles pulled out in front of me. I thought I was going to be busted for speeding!
What happened was that the HAM radio chatter had cleared the course for my arrival. The police were there to escort me the final 1,000 meters to the finish, sirens on and lights flashing.
Sorry, but here's where the emotion bubbled up and the tears I'd been holding back ever since the sunflower field 2 hours earlier just poured fourth. I was greeted by thousands of onlookers, the DJ was saying something about me, Pauline, the team and the fundraising, but it didn't mean anything to me. I was sobbing like a new born baby as I crossed the finish line to the roaring applause. It's got me welling up now just reliving it and writing it for you!
I rounded the corner heading along the final 200 meters to the parking lot where I was met by my ever-supportive and sobbing wife, Bow, Jez...David hiding his tears behind his sunglasses (he has to remain cool), and a mass of people just wanting to share in the emotion of the moment.
It was a wonderful outpouring for Pauline's memory.
R.I.P. my dear Pauline...this one was for you xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Gruene today rounds-out my 10-week training schedule
I headed to historic Gruene this morning to hang out with my buddies (the newbies) from Velo Valero, and we were joined by several members of the Broadway Bank team, and a solo rider from Clear Channel and from Golds Gym. It was like a mini Valero Bike to the Beach!
I felt strong all ride long. Depending on who you asked, we did anywhere from 34 and 37 miles. Several long hills, but none caused me any problems. My good friend Bob Harwood, team captain for HOLT CAT, changed allegiances (well at least for today) and wore a Pauline’s Last Hurrah jersey. It was a special ride for me, since I’d not seen Pauline’s image being worn by another rider. Very special…
The morning started out quite chilly, and didn’t really heat up. We returned to Gruene around noon, and hit the Gristmill Restaurant for a group lunch. Lots of fun. And lots of good people.
Thank you everyone for your tireless efforts to prepare me for the Valero Bike to the Beach on Oct. 4-5. I’m confident of putting in a good showing.
I felt strong all ride long. Depending on who you asked, we did anywhere from 34 and 37 miles. Several long hills, but none caused me any problems. My good friend Bob Harwood, team captain for HOLT CAT, changed allegiances (well at least for today) and wore a Pauline’s Last Hurrah jersey. It was a special ride for me, since I’d not seen Pauline’s image being worn by another rider. Very special…
The morning started out quite chilly, and didn’t really heat up. We returned to Gruene around noon, and hit the Gristmill Restaurant for a group lunch. Lots of fun. And lots of good people.
Thank you everyone for your tireless efforts to prepare me for the Valero Bike to the Beach on Oct. 4-5. I’m confident of putting in a good showing.
Santa Fe, NM, a riding paradise…2 weeks ago
I had the good fortune 2 weeks ago of traveling to Santa Fe, New Mexico, with 130 bike-riding top fundraisers of the National MS Society Lone Star Chapter. Wow, as much as I’ve only been riding for 8 weeks, Santa Fe must be a rider’s definition of paradise!
Chapter employees took on the role of volunteers and orchestrated the 4-day cycling holiday. But when my colleagues and I came back together at the end of the first day to go over our duties and tasks for the remaining 3 days, my boss told me that I could participate in the second of the 2 days of riding.
I had driven SAG on the first day, a 55-mile ride that went by way too quickly. I was mesmerized by the beauty of the landscape. Flat, flat ground stretching for hundreds of miles, and then hitting mountains that shot up into a crystal clear, electric blue sky! Oh my, if my days had ended then I would have left this mortal coil a happy person. I was at peace!
Anyway, after getting over the shock that I could ride the 2nd day, I realized I didn’t have a thing to wear! I turned up on the day of the ride in sneakers, my signature neon yellow socks, surfing shorts (white with brilliant orange flames), and a borrowed BP MS 150 jersey. Oh, did I forget to tell you that I didn’t have a bike either!!!!!
Our good friends form Sun and Ski had brought out some rental bikes (brand new I might add). But all I had to choose from was a 61cm, which would have me stretched out way further than I could reach. I’m only 5 foot 10 inches! The second bike was a 51cm, but was a women’s bike…shorter frame, odd looking saddle! Anyway, I opted for the shorter bike. I went to have a light breakfast while the bike was fitted with cage pedals.
At breakfast, I sat with my now good friend Jenifer McIntosh. We’d been joking with each other for the past 24 hours. So over breakfast, she said since I was going to ride on a women’s bike, I should wear a women’s jersey (she happened to be wearing a bright pink, ‘Ride Like A Girl’ jersey). She dared me!!!! So in the middle of the dining room we took of our jerseys and exchanged them. You know me by now, I’m open to most any dare for fun!
The day was a rare treat for me, and I appreciate my colleagues working with me to allow my training to continue. One small problem, when I turned the front wheel it would hit my feet…it was a very short bike. But all those issues evaporated when I cleared the brush on one hill to be presented with a vista that only God could create. If you’ve never ridden around this area, in particular around Los Alamos, NM, I would highly recommend you add it to your Bucket List.
Chapter employees took on the role of volunteers and orchestrated the 4-day cycling holiday. But when my colleagues and I came back together at the end of the first day to go over our duties and tasks for the remaining 3 days, my boss told me that I could participate in the second of the 2 days of riding.
I had driven SAG on the first day, a 55-mile ride that went by way too quickly. I was mesmerized by the beauty of the landscape. Flat, flat ground stretching for hundreds of miles, and then hitting mountains that shot up into a crystal clear, electric blue sky! Oh my, if my days had ended then I would have left this mortal coil a happy person. I was at peace!
Anyway, after getting over the shock that I could ride the 2nd day, I realized I didn’t have a thing to wear! I turned up on the day of the ride in sneakers, my signature neon yellow socks, surfing shorts (white with brilliant orange flames), and a borrowed BP MS 150 jersey. Oh, did I forget to tell you that I didn’t have a bike either!!!!!
Our good friends form Sun and Ski had brought out some rental bikes (brand new I might add). But all I had to choose from was a 61cm, which would have me stretched out way further than I could reach. I’m only 5 foot 10 inches! The second bike was a 51cm, but was a women’s bike…shorter frame, odd looking saddle! Anyway, I opted for the shorter bike. I went to have a light breakfast while the bike was fitted with cage pedals.
At breakfast, I sat with my now good friend Jenifer McIntosh. We’d been joking with each other for the past 24 hours. So over breakfast, she said since I was going to ride on a women’s bike, I should wear a women’s jersey (she happened to be wearing a bright pink, ‘Ride Like A Girl’ jersey). She dared me!!!! So in the middle of the dining room we took of our jerseys and exchanged them. You know me by now, I’m open to most any dare for fun!
The day was a rare treat for me, and I appreciate my colleagues working with me to allow my training to continue. One small problem, when I turned the front wheel it would hit my feet…it was a very short bike. But all those issues evaporated when I cleared the brush on one hill to be presented with a vista that only God could create. If you’ve never ridden around this area, in particular around Los Alamos, NM, I would highly recommend you add it to your Bucket List.
C ya on the road! Tony
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
$100,000 v's $144.75...it all counts!
So we held our exclusive Top Fundraiser's Packet Pick-Up on Monday, at Pappasito's Cantina on IH-10 in San Antonio, and many of our Club 100 fundraisers stopped by. One in particular...
A little birdie had told us that this fundraiser was going to add to his fundraising account for the Valero Bike to the Beach in a big way this night. So, we rolled out out reporter friends at TV, lined up a microphone, and made the place welcoming. We were not disappointed. Valero Chairman of the Board and CEO Bill Klesse stopped by and wrote a personal check for $100,000 to start his fundraising (that's Bill and me, I think he's holding me up)!
We had some nice speeches at 5 pm, and we were pretty much done by 5:10 pm. I'd promised the Valero team and my staff that I would "spin" for the duration of the event. So I jumped in my riding gear. Jumped on my bike, parked in the back of one of our wonderfully decorated Toyota Tundras, and pedaled for nearly 3 hours.
Knowing I'd be on a bike, I figured why not be shameless and raise money at the same time for my fundraising (remember, it's going to be matched by one of my donors). So, at the end of the night, I had in the jar $144.75 as friend, riders and total strangers stopped by to visit with me and drop a few dollars in my kitty. Thank you everyone!
The Bike to the Beach is just days away, Oct. 4-5.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Tony completes his first Century...well metric anyway!
Today established a new chapter in my training, I completed my first EVER Century Ride…well metric century anyway! I rode 63 miles today in Houston’s Tour de Pink (that’s 101.388 kilometers for my family back in Australia)! I am so very pleased with my progress, even if I do say so myself!
The Tour de Pink support’s breast cancer research which, as you may know, was one of the three cancer’s Pauline was diagnosed with. This event also was my first organized bike ride.
Today’s ride was the outcome of my search for a training ride in Houston, since I had to run an errand for MS to our Houston office on Saturday. My good friend Margaret Shelton (also a member of Pauline’s Last Hurrah) is a university professor by day but the Tour de Pink event director by night. So she suggested that I sign up.
The event offered several route distances. I really wanted to challenge myself given my 50 miles just last weekend. I was tempted to go for the 80 miles (and wish I had), but thought I should be a little conservative. After all, I wouldn’t want to have gone on the 80 miles and not completed it! I had no idea how I’d handle the 63, but handle it I did; it took me just 5 hours to complete the course (and stopping at all the breakpoints). I crossed the Finish Line feeling very, very strong and realized I could have handled the 80 miles. There was a 100-mile option, too! But I think I’ll hold that personal accomplishment for me and Pauline on the Valero Bike to the Beach on Oct. 4!
The event started and finished at Prairie View A&M University. Wheels down at 7 a.m. we were treated to brisk conditions, a little chillier than I’m used to. But sunrise came soon enough with a huge orange ball sitting on the horizon as the route headed east. It was magnificent. As the sun rose in the sky, which was the coolest electric blue all day, the mist laid heavy and carpeted the grassland of this rural setting, located about an hour or so west of Houston, Texas.
It was a very pretty ride, although there was a pretty good head- and cross-wind to contend with for most of the day. That said, I was able to keep a good speed for many miles (at least in the 19’s or low 20’s MPH).
ACCIDENT: About 15 miles out, I turned into the second to last breakpoint. My calf muscles had been twitching at the top of them for several miles just itching to cramp! But I had been repositioning my feet for many miles (turning them in, turning them out, pulling with my clip-less shoes instead of mashing) in order to relocate the muscle flex to another part of the calf. Anyway, I pulled into this breakpoint, had already unclipped my right foot, stopped the bike and proceeded to unclip my left foot when my calf cramped like a mule kick! Anyway, I lost my balance and fell to the left, still clipped in to my pedal and fell square on my left knee (I’ve fallen on this now for the 3rd time in 4 weeks)…and hit my helmet on the road to literally add insult to the subsequent injury. The guys from the local bike shop at the breakpoint came over to untangle me from my bike as I tried to work out how I could stand up with my calf in a major cramp spasm. Needless to say, I reached my feet and tried to stretch through the cramp…not wanting to look anyone in the eye because I was so embarrassed and so frustrated, since the day had gone so well!
Finally, I was able to elongate the muscle and just hop around as the “knot”-pain subsided. I looked down and had blood oozing from my knee and noticed a 2-inch high swelling protruding from the left side of my knee, and a growing lump on the right side of my left knee. I figured I’d broken the thing! I hadn’t, at least I don’t think I have as I sit at home writing my blog entry. But I was very worried about the joint seizing up. I grabbed a quick drink of water. Hobbled to the bathroom. Had to fix the chain on my bike, since it had come off during the fall. I quickly got back on my bike and on the road, hoping the knee mechanics would carry me to the Finish Line.
The final 15 miles were equally delightful. I forgot about my knee…well, decided not to look at my knee!
I soon hooked up with rider Number 10, her name was Joanne. She is a cancer survivor, and so I road at her pace (8 MPH) for the rest of the ride. What an inspirational story she had to tell. But that’s a subject possibly for another blog entry!
The Tour de Pink support’s breast cancer research which, as you may know, was one of the three cancer’s Pauline was diagnosed with. This event also was my first organized bike ride.
Today’s ride was the outcome of my search for a training ride in Houston, since I had to run an errand for MS to our Houston office on Saturday. My good friend Margaret Shelton (also a member of Pauline’s Last Hurrah) is a university professor by day but the Tour de Pink event director by night. So she suggested that I sign up.
The event offered several route distances. I really wanted to challenge myself given my 50 miles just last weekend. I was tempted to go for the 80 miles (and wish I had), but thought I should be a little conservative. After all, I wouldn’t want to have gone on the 80 miles and not completed it! I had no idea how I’d handle the 63, but handle it I did; it took me just 5 hours to complete the course (and stopping at all the breakpoints). I crossed the Finish Line feeling very, very strong and realized I could have handled the 80 miles. There was a 100-mile option, too! But I think I’ll hold that personal accomplishment for me and Pauline on the Valero Bike to the Beach on Oct. 4!
The event started and finished at Prairie View A&M University. Wheels down at 7 a.m. we were treated to brisk conditions, a little chillier than I’m used to. But sunrise came soon enough with a huge orange ball sitting on the horizon as the route headed east. It was magnificent. As the sun rose in the sky, which was the coolest electric blue all day, the mist laid heavy and carpeted the grassland of this rural setting, located about an hour or so west of Houston, Texas.
It was a very pretty ride, although there was a pretty good head- and cross-wind to contend with for most of the day. That said, I was able to keep a good speed for many miles (at least in the 19’s or low 20’s MPH).
ACCIDENT: About 15 miles out, I turned into the second to last breakpoint. My calf muscles had been twitching at the top of them for several miles just itching to cramp! But I had been repositioning my feet for many miles (turning them in, turning them out, pulling with my clip-less shoes instead of mashing) in order to relocate the muscle flex to another part of the calf. Anyway, I pulled into this breakpoint, had already unclipped my right foot, stopped the bike and proceeded to unclip my left foot when my calf cramped like a mule kick! Anyway, I lost my balance and fell to the left, still clipped in to my pedal and fell square on my left knee (I’ve fallen on this now for the 3rd time in 4 weeks)…and hit my helmet on the road to literally add insult to the subsequent injury. The guys from the local bike shop at the breakpoint came over to untangle me from my bike as I tried to work out how I could stand up with my calf in a major cramp spasm. Needless to say, I reached my feet and tried to stretch through the cramp…not wanting to look anyone in the eye because I was so embarrassed and so frustrated, since the day had gone so well!
Finally, I was able to elongate the muscle and just hop around as the “knot”-pain subsided. I looked down and had blood oozing from my knee and noticed a 2-inch high swelling protruding from the left side of my knee, and a growing lump on the right side of my left knee. I figured I’d broken the thing! I hadn’t, at least I don’t think I have as I sit at home writing my blog entry. But I was very worried about the joint seizing up. I grabbed a quick drink of water. Hobbled to the bathroom. Had to fix the chain on my bike, since it had come off during the fall. I quickly got back on my bike and on the road, hoping the knee mechanics would carry me to the Finish Line.
The final 15 miles were equally delightful. I forgot about my knee…well, decided not to look at my knee!
I soon hooked up with rider Number 10, her name was Joanne. She is a cancer survivor, and so I road at her pace (8 MPH) for the rest of the ride. What an inspirational story she had to tell. But that’s a subject possibly for another blog entry!
C ya on the road! Tony
Monday, September 1, 2008
Completed 50-ride, successfully...
Finally breached the 50-mile (or 81 kilometers, for my family in Oz) riding test for me on Sunday, and still felt pretty strong at the end of the ride. The ride took place in temperatures running in the mid-90’s (35C), and that probably was the toughest aspect of the day.
The 50 miles represents the distance for the Valero Bike to the Beach from the Start Line to the lunch stop on the first day. So it’s be a psychological challenge for me.
I made the point of drinking, drinking and drinking some more. Carrying onboard a 24-ounce water bottle with POWERade and a 2nd water bottle with plain water, I filled them both two more times on the ride and had drained them both by the time I arrived back to the Start/Finish line. And I’m “relieved” to say that I did need a bathroom a few times during the ride! You’ll recall, in my early training I was worried about not having to use the toilet. I think I’ve found “my” hydration balance. Also, I've become a major fan of "Gu."
The ride itself left Comal Elementary School, out Highway 3009 (jarred the fillings in my teeth), headed to Gruene on Highway 1826 (smooth as glass), turned back towards New Braunfels, headed east to cross over Interstate 35 for the loop on Green Valley Road.
The heat and the distance left me thinking this was a brutal ride for me and my limited training. But it was a ride that helped me test several personal factors: stamina, strength and speed (I really used my big ring and small cog) on all the flats I put my head down and hit the pedals hard. It felt good!
Walking the bike while standing in my pedals is becoming a favorite pastime for the hills I encounter, and it makes me feel a good deal more in control.
I’m heading to Houston on Saturday, running some errands for the MS Society, and will be looking to jump in on a training ride on Sunday, Sept. 7. I’ve put out feelers to some of my friends over there to see what rides they might be participating in that I can join.
FUNNY: When I unloaded my bike the front tire was as flat as a piece of paper! Never had a flat until now and I guess the good thing is that it didn’t happen during the ride. I carefully ran my fingers around the inside of the tire and found no sharp objects. I ran my hand over the outside of the tire and found a piece of glass. It left a three side hole in the tire, so my buddy Pete Templin (by phone) said you could use the tire again, but how many future tubes are you willing to sacrifice! He told me about the “old dollar bill” trick as a temporary fix to extend the life of a tire, which I’ve heard before. Needless to say, I’m off to Bicycle Shack of Boerne Tuesday (they are closed Mondays) to buy a new tire.
C ya on the road! Tony
Read Pauline's story and support my fundraising in her memory.
The 50 miles represents the distance for the Valero Bike to the Beach from the Start Line to the lunch stop on the first day. So it’s be a psychological challenge for me.
I made the point of drinking, drinking and drinking some more. Carrying onboard a 24-ounce water bottle with POWERade and a 2nd water bottle with plain water, I filled them both two more times on the ride and had drained them both by the time I arrived back to the Start/Finish line. And I’m “relieved” to say that I did need a bathroom a few times during the ride! You’ll recall, in my early training I was worried about not having to use the toilet. I think I’ve found “my” hydration balance. Also, I've become a major fan of "Gu."
The ride itself left Comal Elementary School, out Highway 3009 (jarred the fillings in my teeth), headed to Gruene on Highway 1826 (smooth as glass), turned back towards New Braunfels, headed east to cross over Interstate 35 for the loop on Green Valley Road.
The heat and the distance left me thinking this was a brutal ride for me and my limited training. But it was a ride that helped me test several personal factors: stamina, strength and speed (I really used my big ring and small cog) on all the flats I put my head down and hit the pedals hard. It felt good!
Walking the bike while standing in my pedals is becoming a favorite pastime for the hills I encounter, and it makes me feel a good deal more in control.
I’m heading to Houston on Saturday, running some errands for the MS Society, and will be looking to jump in on a training ride on Sunday, Sept. 7. I’ve put out feelers to some of my friends over there to see what rides they might be participating in that I can join.
FUNNY: When I unloaded my bike the front tire was as flat as a piece of paper! Never had a flat until now and I guess the good thing is that it didn’t happen during the ride. I carefully ran my fingers around the inside of the tire and found no sharp objects. I ran my hand over the outside of the tire and found a piece of glass. It left a three side hole in the tire, so my buddy Pete Templin (by phone) said you could use the tire again, but how many future tubes are you willing to sacrifice! He told me about the “old dollar bill” trick as a temporary fix to extend the life of a tire, which I’ve heard before. Needless to say, I’m off to Bicycle Shack of Boerne Tuesday (they are closed Mondays) to buy a new tire.
C ya on the road! Tony
Read Pauline's story and support my fundraising in her memory.
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