Foiling

Finally... There is light at the end of this project. It will be interesting to see how this all goes together. A lot of different new techniques will be employed

And Last Night

No eclipse to watch, we played Magic. Cost: Time. Reward: Love.

Time: The Best Gift Of All

Walking with a friend yesterday we discussed time: the best gift of all. Time spent with family and friends. Priceless. Watched the eclipse last night with my little one. Though she is not so little these days. We used my oldest daughter's telescope. Which was left home when she moved out west after college. While watching we texted her and thanked her for this opportunity. A great TIME was had by all.

Didn't Go.

All that planning, training, mapping out the route to be sidelined. Woke up this morning feeling sick. Headache. Body aches. Upset stomach. Dressed in my cycling clothes, I crawled back into bed and slept another 3 hours.

I'm thinking about the first space flights that would get sidelined due to weather conditions. Astronauts waiting suited up in the capsule for hours only to learn it was a no go. Disappointment.

My trip is only to New Hampshire not into space. Like the astronauts, my window will open up again. But until then, it's training and planning as usual.

Motivational?

Sometimes motivational is over the top. Resulting in the opposite reaction.

Tomorrow is the big ride. Legs rested. Map reviewed. Clothes almost picked out. Need to buy food. This time tomorrow I should be on my way...

What do you do for a living?

We took the day off yesterday and went to the Big E. Did my best to pretend I didn't have a job. Forgetting the office and what awaits today. But can you imagine what it would be like to ride an extreme pogo stick for a living? Wonder if there are any ladies getting into this field?

Saturday

Today is about facing down the anxiety surrounding Saturday. You can do this. Pack Monadnock. Fifty plus miles one way. The Mountain. Alone. What am I proving and to whom? Am I ready? Is it that important? What life lesson? At 54, almost 55, is this necessary? Breathe.

Take it slow Patty. You can do this. Take it slow.

The weekend

We rode into New York. It was a pleasant ride; very slow with many pauses. After 50, I wasn't tired. Thinking about the 100 and the mountain this coming Saturday. Doable, if I take it slow.

Doubt and Fear

Rode my bike the 14 miles to poker last night. My legs were still not 100 percent after last Saturday's 80 mile jaunt. Putting fear and doubt in my mind. Tomorrow I'm riding in Vermont/New York. Seventy miles, at least, that is the plan. And next weekend over 100 up Pack Monadnock. Will my legs last? Will I let the fear and doubt derail my plans? Breathe. Listen to the knee. Be. Brave.

And for poker... I joined the league my husband plays in. It gives us more time together. Last night I won the ice breaker game called the turbo. First win ever... Placed 11th in the first official game of the night and lasted until after midnight to come in second in the second game. Seriously, who knew.

Proper Planning

You have to have a plan. To know where you are going, and basically how you will get there. It's okay to vary the course. To avoid a tough climb, even though it adds on a few miles. Life and cycling are like that.

So looking forward to giving this a go in Yoda's arena where there is no try, only do. Now... Let's hope the weather holds.

Sometimes you have to reach for the impossible

To see truly what you are made of.

I know what I said.

The ride to Wachusett would be the last big, over 60 mile, ride I would do this season. But I wonder if I have another attempt at Pack Monadnock in me. One hundred and ten miles... 1000 more feet of elevation gain. And after this, what will be next?

Today rode a light 20 miles to shake out the legs. They are tired from yesterday, but in good shape all things considered. No pain.

What to do? And shall I go solo?

Best Part

The best part of the ride was coming across this lovely lemonade stand not 7 miles from our house. Colin, age 7, made lemonade from fresh lemons and simple syrup. Made it the night before do it would be cold. It was delicious.

Last week in Middletown Springs VT I shared a bench and a scratch ticket with Don. An older gentleman who has lived his whole life in Vermont. Yesterday I was blessed to meet Colin and his mom Mary.

I could have sped by. I really was looking forward to getting home after close to six hours in the saddle climbing through over 5000 ft of elevation. But God puts people in our path and ten minutes of time, two glasses of lemonade, blessed us all at that stand yesterday just shy of noon. I will never forget them.

And That Selfie.

Wachusett Solo Done

The Big Ride

Today will be the big ride of the season. I'm discovering there is the physical aspect of getting ready for such an undertaking as well as a huge mental piece. Building up mileage.  Relaxing into long and steady climbs. Looking at maps, elevation plots, planning food and water stops. The mental plan is to take it slow and steady. This is not a race. The process of tapping down the fear of going alone is daunting. But I've been riding alone for most of this season. Still in the back of my mind I remember when I wouldn't leave the neighborhood alone.  Now...  Today I'll be at the farthest point from home 40 miles and up a mountain.

Breathe. Keep pedaling. Take a selfie on the summit. I can do this.

I remember

Where I was and what I was doing 9-11-01. Life changed.

Night Riding

Riding at night is different from riding in the morning, or dawn chasing. In the morning you need a headlight for 15 or 20 minutes as the sun eventually makes its way up over the horizon. At night, that headlight best be fully charged for there is no sun to rescue you. And without a light you can't see or be seen.

The difference 12 hours can make.

Next...

If the weather holds it's up Wachusett on Saturday. Solo. Life is interesting. Truly who would have thought this neighborhood only cyclist mom would take on 80 miles and a mountain? I would never thought solo, but the decision seems obvious and easy. Not the climb, but the decision to go. If the weather holds, the mountain will be mine.

Another First

Watched a demolition derby at the Vermont State Fair.

Interesting

Check...

Wanted to ride to New York. Done.

Good to know.

Ever take one of those online quizzes? We had a good laugh at work today.

You have to be able to laugh

At yourself. It's the best medicine.

Today...

Is not starting with a bike ride. It's difficult not to be sad over what is not there. But life is a choice. I'm choosing to remember yesterday's adventure. And smile.  

But it's not the weekend...

Some times you just have to ride.