I wrote this for the Roanoke Outside Blog http://ow.ly/h7up. I hope that you take a minute to write your own story!
Why I bike…
By Rhonda Chattin
Why I bike is part obvious and part spiritual. The obvious part is that I started training for a 45 mile Livetrong Callenge to be held in Philadelphia in August. Though I have been on a bike off and on for most of my life, the true love for the bicycle did not really fully return until half way through training for the Livestrong Challenge. I realized once the regular riding began that one of the best ways to improve my odds against a cancer diagnosis is by staying on the bike on a very regular basis. But it became more and the experiences grew.
Bicycling became an addiction one Saturday a weeks after successfully climbing Mill Mountain all the way to the star for the first time, when our crew ventured out on the Parkway for a cruise. It was a tough trek traveling to the Parkway from our Old South West home by bicycle. After 50 minutes mostly up hill, we were there. Let me put it this way, it was a well earned coast once we turned left onto the Parkway! While on that ride the freedom of a child on two rubber tires returned. Even with a helmet on my head, I felt the air rushing past my face, through my hair (what little that stuck out of my helmet), and blowing my jersey. I wanted to throw my hands out and shout look “no hands!”, but traveling at that speed I refrained.
Though in that moment, you cannot help but shout out a woo-hoooooooo, as you glide down the Parkway with all of nature surrounding you. Not trapped inside a steel petrol propelled vehicle, you are immersed as in a pool of scenery. You are using your own body as fuel and moving yourself forward feeling as free as a bird.
The sounds all around you, mixed in with your on breath, absorbing all the sounds of life. There is so much to experience while on a bicycle, that you do not in a car. The rustling of the leaves and trees, birds off in the distance or the hollow woodpecker making a new home. You get up close and personal sightings of owls, chipmunks, bunnies, snakes, deer, squirrels, turkeys and so much more if you are paying attention. You make friends and achieve things you never thought you would or could. The bicycle is not only a piece of machinery that moves you from one point to another it is a source of great experience.
Why I ride is simple, it is all captured in those silent moments when you really know you are alive and grateful for what you are able to get out and do. In those moments when no cars are zipping by and nobody is saying a word and you are there almost paused in time, with the rays of light peaking through the trees that God breezes a whisper in your ear…
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
just do it
After the concluding statement of the last blog post titled "4 hours, 27 minutes & 12 seconds", I wanted to share this new commercial. If you did not read it, then hop back and read it. It's a care and share personal story from our first ride in 2003! :o)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dI5xSdhwdjY
New Nike commercial. Though it is so much more. Why not do it? You know if it is in reason. See how you can change your life, how you think, how you react, how you live toward others and how you can just do it!!!
Nike says it best...
Just do it!
-Rhonda
http://philly09.livestrong.org/rhondachattin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dI5xSdhwdjY
New Nike commercial. Though it is so much more. Why not do it? You know if it is in reason. See how you can change your life, how you think, how you react, how you live toward others and how you can just do it!!!
Nike says it best...
Just do it!
-Rhonda
http://philly09.livestrong.org/rhondachattin
2010
We had the last of our fundraisers for the 2009, Philly Livestrong Challenge. I would like to thank Haverty's Valley View, Tammy, Val, Darla, Jessee, Sidney and Lindsey for all of your fabulous help!!! Could not have done any part of it without you! Though we got rained out, we were able to raise $50. I am still raisng money by selling the yellow Livestrong wristbands and on the fundraising webpage and still accepting any other donations though not in a formal fundraiser.
All donations are not showing on the tally board yet, but our total is just over $1000. Way to go and thank you for your contribution(s)!!! I am not going to hold any more fundraisers, instead our focus is on us being able to pay for our trip up there and back. I would like to thank all contributions all ready made and those that are yet to come. All the donations are greatly appreciated!!! Please go check out the "Honor Roll" on the right hand side
http://philly09.livestrong.org/rhondachattin, many people have honored their loved ones.
Interesting thing at the car wash, there were a lot of survivors that wanted their car washed and were excited to say how long they had been since their battle. I was able to pause and listen to a few. Many others walked past with statements like: "to busy", "not enough time", "in a hurry" or just a polite "no thanks"-without eye contact. I thanked them, knowing life gets crazy sometimes, and hoped they were never touched by cancer. Though, I do not know how, with 28 million people affected with it globally!
In 2010, cancer will globally be the leading cause of death!!! Although something like 40% of all cancers are treatable, not everyone responds to treatment as favorably as others. While many forms of cancer are preventable with diet and exercise.
Take a second to look at www.livestrong.org and learn more about cancer, the treatments and how you can prevent them. Or talk to your family physician (PCP), if you do not have one, find one. Getting regular check-ups helps to keep your PCP to know what is going on with you and recognize when things are not working as they were before. In Roanoke, you can call Carilion Direct at 540-266-6000 and find a physician.
Know your risks, know your body and know how to prevent cancer in your life!
Let's change the odds!
-Rhonda
All donations are not showing on the tally board yet, but our total is just over $1000. Way to go and thank you for your contribution(s)!!! I am not going to hold any more fundraisers, instead our focus is on us being able to pay for our trip up there and back. I would like to thank all contributions all ready made and those that are yet to come. All the donations are greatly appreciated!!! Please go check out the "Honor Roll" on the right hand side
http://philly09.livestrong.org/rhondachattin, many people have honored their loved ones.
Interesting thing at the car wash, there were a lot of survivors that wanted their car washed and were excited to say how long they had been since their battle. I was able to pause and listen to a few. Many others walked past with statements like: "to busy", "not enough time", "in a hurry" or just a polite "no thanks"-without eye contact. I thanked them, knowing life gets crazy sometimes, and hoped they were never touched by cancer. Though, I do not know how, with 28 million people affected with it globally!
In 2010, cancer will globally be the leading cause of death!!! Although something like 40% of all cancers are treatable, not everyone responds to treatment as favorably as others. While many forms of cancer are preventable with diet and exercise.
Take a second to look at www.livestrong.org and learn more about cancer, the treatments and how you can prevent them. Or talk to your family physician (PCP), if you do not have one, find one. Getting regular check-ups helps to keep your PCP to know what is going on with you and recognize when things are not working as they were before. In Roanoke, you can call Carilion Direct at 540-266-6000 and find a physician.
Know your risks, know your body and know how to prevent cancer in your life!
Let's change the odds!
-Rhonda
Sunday, July 12, 2009
4 hours 27 minutes & 12 seconds
4:27:12 is how long it took us to ride 53.69 miles today. We picked up Casey & Jessee and headed out for an adventure. Paused for lunch, cause it was lunch time and we were hungry. Tammy, Jesse and I dropped Casey off at 42.75 miles and we rode onward. Jessee was dropped off at 50 miles. With the distance to and from home, Tammy and I were able to ride further than we've ever been able to safely ride on our bicycles. To say we are proud of ourselves is an understatement. Well right now we're a little more tired with our proud though.
Today we were able to ride our bikes a long distance, with a respectable average speed of 12 mph. However this has not always been the case and if you think you cannot go out and ride, read on, but see your physician first. :o)
On a sunny, June Sunday morning in 2003 Tammy & I woke up, with the hair-brained idea to purchase a bicycle. We went to the only place open to purchase our bikes, CMT Sporting Goods (which has since closed). We hopped on and tried out a few different bikes, opting for a mountain bike, because we were quite chunky (me = close to 300 pounds) and thought those sinny road tires would in no way be able to support our weight.
We bought spiffy red and white Specialized Hotrock's, one red helmet (Tammy) and one black helmet (me). We squeezed them into the back of our Toyota Celica, cause appareantly we had not thought far enough to think about bringing them home.
Once home we re-attached the tire and headed out for our first spin! :o) We live in Old South West so we were able to connect quickly to the beginnings of what is now a wonderful greenway system (the same one we went 53.69 miles on today).
Tammy started shouting to stop, less than half a mile into the ride at the first low water bridge, then there was a myserious problem with her bike before the second bridge, we walked up the hill at the end, just before turning left onto Wiley. Where we went to the bleachers to rest. This is 2 hours into it and no water cages (an oversight on our part and lost sales on their part.) so we found a water fountain.
After we rested a few, we headed back out. This is when Tammy turned really red and we discovered she does not like it when my inner cheerleader/coach comes out to help. We have another name for it, you'll have to ask next time you see me, it would take this blog out of the PG rating. We got off on (what is now) a slight incline, but seemed like a hill then, so we could walk up. Then a slight down hill and walking over the Walnut street bridge and a downhill, with some flat and another walking section. You get the point? We arrived home over four hours later, guzzled a lot of water and hopped in the car. We had to go drive the distance cause well an odometer did not exist then either.
Thinking we had gone at least ten miles, we were disappointed to find out it was four and some change. Though we did not stop! We invested in some gel seat covers, cause we were thinking bicycle shorts did not come in a size that would stretch across a VW Bug. We later found out they do. So we got a couple a pair, Tammy's a size smaller than me of course, these crazy hips of mine. We also strapped an old military canteen on, so we could take water and took frequent stop breaks.
We kept at it and every day we would go out on what became our "Regular Ride". By the end of the summer it was under an hour, now we can ride it in approximately 15 minutes. It is a fun memory to have.
I think about those days whenever we ride past someone, visibly struggling. I want to encourage them and offer any suggestions, but concerned they would not receive it as it would be intended. I do mention as we pass "have a nice ride", so that we do not just glide by. We had all sorts of people fly past us in those days, leaving us panting in their dust.
It is tough to keep going out there when it is that much of a struggle and I am glad we did. My tips for you if you want to give it a go are as follows. After talking to your physician, find a friend that will ride with you. Set out and see what you can comfortably do and it is ok to walk the hills. Or even zig-zag up hills, that takes away some steepness. Do what you can and ride that as often as you can to build up your strength, then try another ride, sightly longer (that's another funny story right there) and do that on a day you can take the next day off. Ask and read whenever possible, there are tons of books, magazines and people out there to get advice from.
Be like Nike and "Just Do It"!
-Rhonda
Today we were able to ride our bikes a long distance, with a respectable average speed of 12 mph. However this has not always been the case and if you think you cannot go out and ride, read on, but see your physician first. :o)
On a sunny, June Sunday morning in 2003 Tammy & I woke up, with the hair-brained idea to purchase a bicycle. We went to the only place open to purchase our bikes, CMT Sporting Goods (which has since closed). We hopped on and tried out a few different bikes, opting for a mountain bike, because we were quite chunky (me = close to 300 pounds) and thought those sinny road tires would in no way be able to support our weight.
We bought spiffy red and white Specialized Hotrock's, one red helmet (Tammy) and one black helmet (me). We squeezed them into the back of our Toyota Celica, cause appareantly we had not thought far enough to think about bringing them home.
Once home we re-attached the tire and headed out for our first spin! :o) We live in Old South West so we were able to connect quickly to the beginnings of what is now a wonderful greenway system (the same one we went 53.69 miles on today).
Tammy started shouting to stop, less than half a mile into the ride at the first low water bridge, then there was a myserious problem with her bike before the second bridge, we walked up the hill at the end, just before turning left onto Wiley. Where we went to the bleachers to rest. This is 2 hours into it and no water cages (an oversight on our part and lost sales on their part.) so we found a water fountain.
After we rested a few, we headed back out. This is when Tammy turned really red and we discovered she does not like it when my inner cheerleader/coach comes out to help. We have another name for it, you'll have to ask next time you see me, it would take this blog out of the PG rating. We got off on (what is now) a slight incline, but seemed like a hill then, so we could walk up. Then a slight down hill and walking over the Walnut street bridge and a downhill, with some flat and another walking section. You get the point? We arrived home over four hours later, guzzled a lot of water and hopped in the car. We had to go drive the distance cause well an odometer did not exist then either.
Thinking we had gone at least ten miles, we were disappointed to find out it was four and some change. Though we did not stop! We invested in some gel seat covers, cause we were thinking bicycle shorts did not come in a size that would stretch across a VW Bug. We later found out they do. So we got a couple a pair, Tammy's a size smaller than me of course, these crazy hips of mine. We also strapped an old military canteen on, so we could take water and took frequent stop breaks.
We kept at it and every day we would go out on what became our "Regular Ride". By the end of the summer it was under an hour, now we can ride it in approximately 15 minutes. It is a fun memory to have.
I think about those days whenever we ride past someone, visibly struggling. I want to encourage them and offer any suggestions, but concerned they would not receive it as it would be intended. I do mention as we pass "have a nice ride", so that we do not just glide by. We had all sorts of people fly past us in those days, leaving us panting in their dust.
It is tough to keep going out there when it is that much of a struggle and I am glad we did. My tips for you if you want to give it a go are as follows. After talking to your physician, find a friend that will ride with you. Set out and see what you can comfortably do and it is ok to walk the hills. Or even zig-zag up hills, that takes away some steepness. Do what you can and ride that as often as you can to build up your strength, then try another ride, sightly longer (that's another funny story right there) and do that on a day you can take the next day off. Ask and read whenever possible, there are tons of books, magazines and people out there to get advice from.
Be like Nike and "Just Do It"!
-Rhonda
Friday, July 10, 2009
Car Wash!
CAR WASH!!!
WASH AWAY CANCER
Saturday
July 11
11 - 3
Haverty's Valley View
$3 per car
$1 per bicycle
SEE YOU THERE!!!
WASH AWAY CANCER
Saturday
July 11
11 - 3
Haverty's Valley View
$3 per car
$1 per bicycle
SEE YOU THERE!!!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
The Ride
by Rhonda Chattin
I gotta tell you about this ride. Consider this a heads up, but I don't think it is one you can ever fully prepare for.
It starts off with an unforgettable descent, so fast that things blur by unfocused. You see nothing more than streams of color, no images register. You are denying that you even got on in the first place.
Then you realize more than ever before you have to keep flexible, cause now you're on these immediate turns. They are so fast, quick and blinding you have no clue what your going to be up against around each corner. You make one turn and you're almost certain you've some how turned around as it feels as though you are traversing the same terrain you just crossed. You start to want to shout for help, while looking ahead, hoping to find forgiveness in your path.
All of your senses are on alert, you start an ascent that is ruthless. This all just when your blood is coursing through your veins and you don't think you have any more to give. You know without a doubt, this climb will either make you or break you. Water is streaming down your face by now. This climb is steep, tough, hidden turns, and is vein popping and lung expanding. You're already on it and you feel there is no turning back.
You've made it this far. Right?
Followed up with some more unexpected twists and turns, just to see what you're made of. Keeping you on your toes, your reflexes already dulled, you're exhausted, breathe heavy and realizing you've got to be ready for anything now.
Then it all changes, you spin along this section of rolling ups and downs. At this point wondering if there is an end in sight, you hurt like you've never hurt before. You feel or know some how by now you really don't reach the end of this ride.
It is a ride that stays with you, you become a part of it. Or does it become a part of you? So that you know, if you should ever cross the path of this ride, it is called, "sweetie, I've got cancer...".
I gotta tell you about this ride. Consider this a heads up, but I don't think it is one you can ever fully prepare for.
It starts off with an unforgettable descent, so fast that things blur by unfocused. You see nothing more than streams of color, no images register. You are denying that you even got on in the first place.
Then you realize more than ever before you have to keep flexible, cause now you're on these immediate turns. They are so fast, quick and blinding you have no clue what your going to be up against around each corner. You make one turn and you're almost certain you've some how turned around as it feels as though you are traversing the same terrain you just crossed. You start to want to shout for help, while looking ahead, hoping to find forgiveness in your path.
All of your senses are on alert, you start an ascent that is ruthless. This all just when your blood is coursing through your veins and you don't think you have any more to give. You know without a doubt, this climb will either make you or break you. Water is streaming down your face by now. This climb is steep, tough, hidden turns, and is vein popping and lung expanding. You're already on it and you feel there is no turning back.
You've made it this far. Right?
Followed up with some more unexpected twists and turns, just to see what you're made of. Keeping you on your toes, your reflexes already dulled, you're exhausted, breathe heavy and realizing you've got to be ready for anything now.
Then it all changes, you spin along this section of rolling ups and downs. At this point wondering if there is an end in sight, you hurt like you've never hurt before. You feel or know some how by now you really don't reach the end of this ride.
It is a ride that stays with you, you become a part of it. Or does it become a part of you? So that you know, if you should ever cross the path of this ride, it is called, "sweetie, I've got cancer...".
Sunday, July 5, 2009
youth cancer
The Lance Armstrong Foundation even reaches out to the youth living with cancer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiEsaPratZY&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msnF6JkP4LY&feature=channel
This is more of why I picked the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Because everyone is affected by cancer. With 1 in 3 people being diagnosed with cancer, we are all affected by cancer. Right now look at the people around you; Can you figure out which one is going to be the one with a cancer diagnosis? Nope, because cancer knows no boundries, it can attack anyone at any time in their life. We have all the power to stop cancer, to help those with cancer and to eliminate the word cancer from our vocabulary.
Donate today: http://philly09.livestrong.org/rhondachattin
or join us at the car wash! July 11, 11-3 at Haverty's Valley View.
Change the odds!
-Rhonda
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiEsaPratZY&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msnF6JkP4LY&feature=channel
This is more of why I picked the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Because everyone is affected by cancer. With 1 in 3 people being diagnosed with cancer, we are all affected by cancer. Right now look at the people around you; Can you figure out which one is going to be the one with a cancer diagnosis? Nope, because cancer knows no boundries, it can attack anyone at any time in their life. We have all the power to stop cancer, to help those with cancer and to eliminate the word cancer from our vocabulary.
Donate today: http://philly09.livestrong.org/rhondachattin
or join us at the car wash! July 11, 11-3 at Haverty's Valley View.
Change the odds!
-Rhonda
Why The Lance Armstrong Foundation?
I know I have mentioned this before, but want to mention it again.
I have been asked by many people why I picked the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF-www.livestrong.org or www.livestrongchallenge.org), because of the services they offer and their visibility and well, read on. This is why:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htoM5B3DwKc
The Manifesto of the Lance Armstrong Foundation
We believe in life.
Your life.
We believe in living every minute of it with every ounce of your being.
And that you must not let cancer take control of it.
We believe in energy: channeled and fierce.
We believe in focus: getting smart and living strong.
Unity is strength. Knowledge is power. Attitude is everything.
This is the Lance Armstrong Foundation.
We kick in the moment you’re diagnosed.
We help you accept the tears. Acknowledge the rage.
We believe in your right to live without pain.
We believe in information. Not pity.
And in straight, open talk about cancer.
With husbands, wives and partners. With kids, friends and neighbors. And the people you live with, work with, cry and laugh with.
This is no time to pull punches.
You’re in the fight of your life.
We’re about the hard stuff.
Like finding the nerve to ask for a second opinion.
And a third, or a fourth, if that’s what it takes.
We’re about getting smart about clinical trials.
And if it comes to it, being in control of how your life ends.
It’s your life. You will have it your way.
We’re about the practical stuff.
Planning for surviving. Banking your sperm. Preserving your fertility. Organizing your finances. Dealing with hospitals, specialists, insurance companies and employers.
It’s knowing your rights.
It’s your life.
Take no prisoners.
We’re about the fight.
We’re your champion on Capitol Hill. Your advocate with the healthcare system. Your sponsor in the research labs.
And we know the fight never ends.
Cancer may leave your body, but it never leaves your life.
This is the Lance Armstrong Foundation.
Founded and inspired by one of the toughest cancer survivors on the planet.
LIVESTRONG™
Thank you for donating!
http://philly09.livestrong.org/rhondachattin
Changing the world one revolution at a time!
-Rhonda
I have been asked by many people why I picked the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF-www.livestrong.org or www.livestrongchallenge.org), because of the services they offer and their visibility and well, read on. This is why:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htoM5B3DwKc
The Manifesto of the Lance Armstrong Foundation
We believe in life.
Your life.
We believe in living every minute of it with every ounce of your being.
And that you must not let cancer take control of it.
We believe in energy: channeled and fierce.
We believe in focus: getting smart and living strong.
Unity is strength. Knowledge is power. Attitude is everything.
This is the Lance Armstrong Foundation.
We kick in the moment you’re diagnosed.
We help you accept the tears. Acknowledge the rage.
We believe in your right to live without pain.
We believe in information. Not pity.
And in straight, open talk about cancer.
With husbands, wives and partners. With kids, friends and neighbors. And the people you live with, work with, cry and laugh with.
This is no time to pull punches.
You’re in the fight of your life.
We’re about the hard stuff.
Like finding the nerve to ask for a second opinion.
And a third, or a fourth, if that’s what it takes.
We’re about getting smart about clinical trials.
And if it comes to it, being in control of how your life ends.
It’s your life. You will have it your way.
We’re about the practical stuff.
Planning for surviving. Banking your sperm. Preserving your fertility. Organizing your finances. Dealing with hospitals, specialists, insurance companies and employers.
It’s knowing your rights.
It’s your life.
Take no prisoners.
We’re about the fight.
We’re your champion on Capitol Hill. Your advocate with the healthcare system. Your sponsor in the research labs.
And we know the fight never ends.
Cancer may leave your body, but it never leaves your life.
This is the Lance Armstrong Foundation.
Founded and inspired by one of the toughest cancer survivors on the planet.
LIVESTRONG™
Thank you for donating!
http://philly09.livestrong.org/rhondachattin
Changing the world one revolution at a time!
-Rhonda
never give up
Life is short when we are looking down the barrel of a gun or at the end of an IV tube.
Life is short when we are laying in the hospital fighting for our life.
Life is short when we are looking at the face of a loved one in a fight for their life.
Life is short when we are looking at dreams that are not fulfilled.
In short we think we have all the time in the world, we can do it tomorrow, we can take care of it later or just wait until we have to. We have to make the best out of our life, because it is short. Though sadly many of us have to have a serious illness, have a loved one diagnosed with a serious illness or have to put our affairs in order long before we think we should.
Why wait? Why give up on yourself? Why?
BECAUSE YOU ARE WORTH IT! WE ARE STOPPING THE CYCLE OF CANCER!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7ZWbQ5-wrA
Livestrong!
-Rhonda
Car Wash - Wash Away Cancer
July 11, 11-3
Haverty's Valley View Mall
Life is short when we are laying in the hospital fighting for our life.
Life is short when we are looking at the face of a loved one in a fight for their life.
Life is short when we are looking at dreams that are not fulfilled.
In short we think we have all the time in the world, we can do it tomorrow, we can take care of it later or just wait until we have to. We have to make the best out of our life, because it is short. Though sadly many of us have to have a serious illness, have a loved one diagnosed with a serious illness or have to put our affairs in order long before we think we should.
Why wait? Why give up on yourself? Why?
BECAUSE YOU ARE WORTH IT! WE ARE STOPPING THE CYCLE OF CANCER!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7ZWbQ5-wrA
Livestrong!
-Rhonda
Car Wash - Wash Away Cancer
July 11, 11-3
Haverty's Valley View Mall
Thursday, July 2, 2009
The governor
Today I had a unique experience on multiple levels. Some of the experiences more experienced cyclist might take for granted, others are more unique.
Today I was able to participate in a ride with the VA Governor (picture on the blog homepage). I went up to talk with him, told him I am doing a 45 Mile Livestrong Challenge in Philladelphia in August and I started a blog. I would appreciate it if he would pose for a picture with me so I can post it. I was excited to see he had on a LIVESTRONG wristband. :o) He was not there to talk about cancer research or other cancer funding, but was there to talk about the Greenway systems and developing old rails into trails (www.vtran.org). It was a very nice experience and learned a lot. Keep reading for the rest. Thank you Governor Kaine for the pause for a picture with me, I appreciate your time.
Now to the other stuff I learned. Starting out with a group of cyclists is an exciting thing. One you have to really be on your brakes and ready for anything. There was something I had never heard in such volume and it is a really neat sound, though I am sure more experienced cyclists may not feel the same. Seeing as how I am pretty new to the clipless peddle thing and mostly new to serious cycling. I was more of a "weekend warrior" before. The sound of everyone clipping in as we took off, was a neat sound that I wish I would have recorded to post on the blog.
I was able to meet several different people. Pam who rode a fixed gear 1953 Schwinn (Hokie colors and with a bobble Hokie bird-ready for tailgating) who has spoke of many friends with breast cancer. I also spoke with Sue who helped with my photo op, I returned the favor. Sue and I talked about our riding experiences, she's done a few tri's (I still want to really bad), and rides with some of the local groups. So I was able to learn about some of the local group rides. It is important to learn how to ride in packs. I talked with a few other people. One lady wants to start a 3/4 club, then tickled herself when she said that it was for those 3/4 of the way through a century. It was a fun experience to meet all the different types of riders and learn why they ride. They in turn heard about my quest to help end cancer.
Overall it was a very neat experience, I feel honored to have participated with the group and to have learned what I did. Most of all, on our bicycles we were one, a rainbow of colors and on all sorts of bikes, clicking along with a unique experience to ride with our Commonwealths Governor.
Clicking along,
-Rhonda
Today I was able to participate in a ride with the VA Governor (picture on the blog homepage). I went up to talk with him, told him I am doing a 45 Mile Livestrong Challenge in Philladelphia in August and I started a blog. I would appreciate it if he would pose for a picture with me so I can post it. I was excited to see he had on a LIVESTRONG wristband. :o) He was not there to talk about cancer research or other cancer funding, but was there to talk about the Greenway systems and developing old rails into trails (www.vtran.org). It was a very nice experience and learned a lot. Keep reading for the rest. Thank you Governor Kaine for the pause for a picture with me, I appreciate your time.
Now to the other stuff I learned. Starting out with a group of cyclists is an exciting thing. One you have to really be on your brakes and ready for anything. There was something I had never heard in such volume and it is a really neat sound, though I am sure more experienced cyclists may not feel the same. Seeing as how I am pretty new to the clipless peddle thing and mostly new to serious cycling. I was more of a "weekend warrior" before. The sound of everyone clipping in as we took off, was a neat sound that I wish I would have recorded to post on the blog.
I was able to meet several different people. Pam who rode a fixed gear 1953 Schwinn (Hokie colors and with a bobble Hokie bird-ready for tailgating) who has spoke of many friends with breast cancer. I also spoke with Sue who helped with my photo op, I returned the favor. Sue and I talked about our riding experiences, she's done a few tri's (I still want to really bad), and rides with some of the local groups. So I was able to learn about some of the local group rides. It is important to learn how to ride in packs. I talked with a few other people. One lady wants to start a 3/4 club, then tickled herself when she said that it was for those 3/4 of the way through a century. It was a fun experience to meet all the different types of riders and learn why they ride. They in turn heard about my quest to help end cancer.
Overall it was a very neat experience, I feel honored to have participated with the group and to have learned what I did. Most of all, on our bicycles we were one, a rainbow of colors and on all sorts of bikes, clicking along with a unique experience to ride with our Commonwealths Governor.
Clicking along,
-Rhonda
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