| Today I had my first group biking event for ALC7.We met in Crissy field and embarked on a 22 mile journey.We crossed the Golden Gate Bridge, rode through Sausalito, Marin, and Mill Valley and then we stopped for coffee before we turned around.It was my first time in Sausalito, and although we did not stop there, I will never forget the face of a little girl (about 3).She ran close to me when I was at a red light and yelled 'do your best' as loud as she could in her little voice.I said thank you and was on my way, but her words stayed with me.
I was quickly pulled into the LifeCycle 'Family.'In the?morning when the leader asked 'Who is here for the first time' and 'Who ?is here alone' about 30 people came over and introduced themselves, and were very friendly and helpful.When I was on the ride and on the first hill, my chain fell off and 6 people stopped to help me! Since I have not spent much time on my bike, riding outside, I did not have any experience switching gears on a hill.(I have been doing all of my riding on the stationary bike at the gym.)After they fixed the chain, a man named Russ rode behind me to show me how to use my gears properly.After that point I was good to go.My chain fell off one more time near the end of the ride, and Russ (who was still riding with me) hopped off and fixed it.On the last steep hill I had to hop off of my bike and breathe for a minute (I was pushing myself so hard I almost threw up) and then I completed the climb.Oh, I did almost get hit by a van at one point, and when we were going through a tunnel at the end someone in a car honked their horn?at all of us (as a well meaning encouragement I believe) but nonetheless scared the crap out of us and a few of us almost tumbled.But we made it back (mostly) safe and sound.My lunch partner Shon, did fall today and scraped his knee pretty bad.My worst injury is my dumb tan lines.Although I do think I will be sore from the hills tomorrow.I?am very lucky?to have been taken under Russ's wing, he invited me over to his house to have dinner with him and his wife (he is going to replace my tires with new thinner ones he just got), and asked me along on all of his training rides.He lives near me and also invited me over to his weekly 'bike night'.Every Wednesday he has a bunch of people over to teach them how to use/fix/maintenance their bikes.I did spend about three hours getting to know him and his wife, and they know Gloria?(the woman I am doing this ride on behalf of) and her partner Cindy, so for all of you who are worried that I am putting myself in a bad situation... don't worry.I will check out his references first!LOL.After we returned, there was a BBQ set up for all of us riders, and man had we worked up an appetite!We were exhausted, sweaty, and dirty... but we were thrilled.Many of the people on the ride are HIV positive, and they are such an inspiration.When I would get tired, I would think of the man in front of me riding with HIV, and it would renew my energy.That little girl was right; all we need to do, all we?can do, is our best. |
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