This is my first long distance ride. I think I'm doing Ok. I am not on a team but thinking about it. I feel l need to raise my amount to ride first. I think that not wanting to join a team is because this is my first ride and I would not want to slow anyone down. I know there must be other's like me out there. This ride is a challenge is so many ways that no-one else can understand except those like us. In this challenge I'm not on Granny gear but I'm not on the highest gear either. I don't think I'll do this again - this is a bucket list item. It's taking alot more than I expected. Anyone else - kinda in the same boat?
I am also not on a team but have met up with a few others that are not on teams and have done some rides. I wondered if I could do the ride myself but I thought if I didn't try I would always wonder. I look at it as a good ride and not a race, so you won't see me at the front of the pack racing out. So if you need anyone to ride with or chat with feel free to let me know.
It will be a good time, even if it does pour rain.
LoneWolf, this is my first fund-raiser / charity ride ever. It isn't easy...to be sure, but I think a majority of the folks taking part are in the "Joe" category. Yes, there will be some "Pro" types there, but as the Ride folks emphasize this is aimed at being a ride and not a race.
I started a team as a mutual support group...I knew of a few folks who were riding solo in memory of someone that lost their battle with cancer. I don't think we're actually going to try to ride as a team, but rather be a source of support for one another as we train and as we see each other during the event. Some teams are aimed at being a group for the ride, while others are there to help get you to where you need to be (and help on route) for "your" ride...just pick one of the latter type and don't worry about slowing anyone down.
The support aspect, be it in a team or from the Ride folks, is key for many of us. In my case, the route will be breath-taking and a poignant reminder of the person I'm riding for... I found out earlier this month that the route follows part of the last road trip that person and his wife took before his passing. At this point, I'm not sure how well I'll see the start and finish lines as I may have "dust" in my eyes. We all have our own reasons to ride...and it is the other riders who understand that.
I hope things go well for you in the coming weeks. Keep working on the fund-raising and keep riding...the last thing you want is to hit the mark on the fund-raising and then be in dire straights to actually do the ride....as in all things it is just a matter of taking it one step at a time.
Thanks Guys I've had some obstacles in training already. I'm just waiting for the pouring rain and possible thunderstorm. I've committed to more than this ride already - sometimes I tend to bite off more than I can chew and force myself to keep my word. I've committed to a training/getting ride attention to the maine ride in Northern Alberta May 27. There are some hills - challenges. I have also committed to another training/get attention to main ride South. The North ride is 113 km with hills (one way) and the South ride is 128k return. Both destination have donations that I will be picking up. You know that Afterburn ride sets me in my place. 30 kms hour sounds heavy duty - I think my best and not for an hour is maybe 23km hour. I'm really getting into the training and have to hold my self back from overdoing it - so has not be injury myself.
My general impression is that the afterburn ride is more for the serious road riders. On the CX bike I've picked up for commuting and longer distance riding, I may be able to do that sort of pace, but.... :)
Lonewolf, those rides could be great warm-ups for the Ride to Conquer Cancer ;) There's nothing saying you need to go supersonic on a bike for the Ride, so just take it slow and steady. The idea is to finish. As you've said, we all have our own reasons to ride... better to accomplish than to not try.
I think you joined a team just by entering. I haven't joined a team either but there will be enough people out there to meet and ride with. Just like some of the other comments, this is not a race but an event. Enjoy.
-- Edited by Sparky on Saturday 16th of May 2009 10:20:04 PM
I just completed the recommended amount this week so next training will be on the bike trails in Edmonton on Sunday. I'm not sure of how I'm doing so far but sometimes it sounds like I might be over doing it. Apart from all the other benefits of this ride I do believe I'm really beginning to get into biking more than I ever did. I know it's not a race, I'm justing trying to follow the recommended training schedule. According to the schedule June rides are even longer. Sparky - so true. I "joined a team just by entering", I love that and will keep it in mind. I would like to ride out with someone but because of my schedule I may not be able to very often. Next week I will be training on morning rides. Riding out on the road with someone would be a first but it would be nice to meet up with others from our Ride to Conquer Cancer team. What this is taking is alot more than what it takes to train - the contacts, the pleas, followups, the striving to meet the financial commitment takes alot of time and effort. Then of course there are the heart wrenching thoughts and emotions at the core of it all. The remembering, the revisiting and the deep prayer of hope for those still fighting Cancer. Thank you all - this team I "joined just by entering", thank you for being there.
Always, LW, always. I know exactly where you're coming from.
I'll be doing Day 0 on line so I can add to my jersey before the Ride. I'll be adding a picture of the person I'm riding in memory of...If you're interested, I'd be willing to help you do the same.
Not ready to put a picture on jersey - can bearly look at pictures has is of my Dad. I'm doing a training/ride to get attention to the main ride next week from Slave Lake to High Prairie. I will be going to my Dad's house for the first time since he passed away. I know this training ride will be a challenge physically and emotionally. The route it's kinda wilderness with hills. I have committed to doing this and have contacted some people from the area, including the media. I'll know in the next couple of days if anything pans out. Wow!! what have I gotten myself into - I'm just regular Joe for Pete's sake. I just want to do has much has possible.
So this not a pro just a regular joe thing applies to fundraising. It's taking a lot just to make the amount to ride. The response isn't always suppportive either. Two nasty comments - Oh you're the Forrest Gump of Biking - because of that fundraising letter that stated something about loving to ride my bike and then there's the comment about "grinding" for money. Geez - what's the matter with people when you're only trying to do good. I went to a house and this old man was upset about my asking for donations, he was upset because he has Cancer and his treatment left him "totally useless, impotent" - I know too much information, but that's what he said. Another man's Father just passed away from Cancer, five days ago and he was also angry about losing his Father - I just said I'm sorry and left. Training is definitely easier even in the wind, snow and rain - I'm sure.
LW, don't be discouraged when it comes to the fundraising.... as ABS would say, the beast has been stalking a lot of people and a lot of folks have hard feelings as a result.
I've had some folks more receptive because the beast has taken someone from them... and for others it is just too fresh in their memories. We can sympathize...it's part of the reason we've made the committment to ride the Ride.
Don't let the nasties get you down... keep your chin up and keep trying. :)
I agree with Mike as I thought how will I ever make that mark and when I wasn't even halfway and I went weeks with nothing I thought, how will I do this. However everytime I was around people and even people I didn't know that well I mentioned that I was training for the ride and then they would ask more. Over the last few weeks I was surprised at how many stepped up that I didn't think would. I have made my mark now and am trying to go higher. The main thing to do is always talk about it and never be shy to bring it up.
Good news with sponsors - so close to the amount to ride now. But - bad news, my left knee is sore, so taking it easy, icing it. Training on hold - probably best thing to do. So training time switched to e-mail contacts time. Not too worried I can still walk - I'm sure it will heal in time for next week brutal training ride up North.
LW.. Every thing you have written here is inspiring to me. You should not be discouraged at all about raising the the funds for this ride. You have everything you need already! I have raise over $20,000 for this ride so far and I'll tell you my secret. It comes from your heart. I comes from the ability to tell people why this is the most important thing they can do for their framily friends and collegues. It comes from showing a commitment and a passion for something that is really hard to do because you are an ordinary Joe. It comes from you wanting to help THEM and telling them that, because we are all affected by this disease and its important ! And it comes from listening to their story and wanting to hear their story and wanting to share their story with others.. Just put youre heart out their Lone Wolf and the world will respond!
I have - it has. Good for you Rockhnd, congratulations on your great fundraising. Some people, I'm sure I'm not the only one, struggle just to get to the minimum. I can almost guarantee that I will not get anywhere near the impressive amount you have. Thank you for all your efforts and success, it all goes to the same place and that's what counts the most. So, donations still trickle in. Training goes on - 80km yesterday. Wish someone could come with me up North but I know it's just to short notice. No word from sponsors up there either - chances are the biggest gain will be the awesome training opportunity and the beautiful scenery around the second biggest lake in Alberta, plus the possibility of seeing wildlife up close.
LW, I can't come with, but I am thinking of you and sending positive vibes your way. I'm nowhere near Rockhnd's fund-raising level either, but I am approaching the goal I set for myself for my first ever ride like this.
Doesn't matter how long it takes to get there....just as long as you do :)
I hope you had fun this weekend and that your knee heals up :)
Thanks All's well with the knee. No word on sponsors. I looked into the terrain on Google maps and there are four big hills that I need to get over at the start of the ride in the North. The total distance is 118km. The first 40 kms are where the hills are. So - I guess I'm am putting my heart out there -just out there up North for now. So does anyone have any contacts in the North that could help with this. I know it's short notice, obviously I'm getting desperate to even consider requesting contacts from people who need them also. I've reached the recommended amount to ride last week 180km- I'm so sure I can do this physically but the other requirement is lacking. nothing more to do but wait and see. Trying to put my heart out there - just losing heart instead. But I will keep my word and ride anyway.
Done - 114km with some hills. Have video and pictures. Will search for good pic with some view of terrain to put on my page. What a gruelling challenge. There was a black bear, a trailer came off it's hitch from a truck, an accident with a tanker and truck with a camper in tow, a big black dog chasing me, the cold from the lake in the morning, the wind on the straight stretches and a response less then what I expected from people. But there was a response, my total will be going up once I bring the donations in on June 9. The local media were amazingly supportive - I had fans. It was great. I did put my heart out and you were right Rockhnd. Knowing that there were people waiting to see me at the end of the ride inspired me to finish even when my body screamed no. I'll never forget the experience. My support crew, I called my Twisted Sister Crew was very entertaining and did their very best to take care of business. So would I be able to get up and do it again next day - Y E S. I still think that I am not a pro and am still a regular Joe - Wow the things we can do. I could drag my old overweight carcasss over hills all in the name of love - how sweet it is.
You may think you are just a regular joe & that's okay, but you inspire me. What you have accomplished and your determination and heart make you extraordinary. Keep the wind at your back LW you rock.
ok guys that's enough - I didn't mean to brag just to share. To much and I'll just crawl back into my cave. Don't mean to insult anyone either. Your words were heart felt and appreciated. Let's get through this together. Does anyone need any help? What can we do for each other at this point. Training rides? Sharing obstacles? Finding a way to get through. I know it's not all about me. Next week I would like to do a ride on Monday to Hobbema. Yes - gang central, the wild west - I used to work there. Hopefully I can pick up at least one donation and get training done. May go down from Beaumont. Plan not final yet - just date.
LW, we're not taking it as bragging....we're genuinely happy that things are going well for you and we're trying to see if we can cheer you on a bit. This is a massive group effort by a lot of individuals....each and every little milestone is a victory on our road to the Ride. Good for you in the Slave Lake ride :)
Myself, I went to climb some hills on Friday night and ended up setting a new pedal powered speed record for myself going down one hill. That and clearing the 80% mark in my fund-raising goal made for a fairly good weekend for me :)
Your so right - all goals, acheivements are such and something to be proud of, for us for everyone. Meanwhile - time is just a ticking away. Anticipation is mounting. I've gathered enough donations to ride. I'm nervous as ever now. Trying not to overtrain - or overdo or what ever I should not do. People - one day was T O U G H - two days - what a challenge. If it wasn't for the sponsors I have so far and all your words of encouragement I think I may have just said - I changed my mind. No can do. Committed to finish now - regardless of any F E A R. See - I told you mounting anticipation/excitement/fear/.... and any other word that I can't think of now because I'm just feeling it and it's huge. No what I mean?
Yup...I do. I started off just hoping to clear the mark to ride....now it looks like I may just get to my goal. For the first time ever doing a charity ride, that just blows my socks off! I'm committed now (though with a handle like Psycho Mike, I'm sure you're all wondering if it is not the first time ;) ) so I'm going to keep on training and hope I don't pull anything next weekend when I move.
