I fell down, but I got back up again and rode 220km through rural Alberta with some very inspiring people. Together we all conquered this weekend, not while crossing the finish line but by following one pedal stroke with another. Side by side we rode, but each one fighting alone in finding that fire inside that makes you ride, ride, ride long after the body is tired and burning. When the mind tells you to slow down there always remain the fire inside and it is in finding this fire that you conquer.It has the power to overcome the impossible if you are willing to believe.
The moment of truth will always be in getting up after a fall because it signifies the start of something better. My fall was insignificant in magnitude but an absolutely great metaphor for all the riders out on the road this weekend.Riding alongside those yellow flags belonging to the fighters and survivors, seeing all the names added to bikes and jerseys gives a unique perspective on the ongoing fight against Cancer.
As the cyclist was supported by crew, so is the patient supported with loved ones without whom the fight is lost before it even starts.Along the road however, there is always that point when the fight is solitary, that moment where you dig deep and find the power of the human spirit in the quiet universe within every person.This weekend we all witnessed the difference made when that focus is shared among many.It is a power that knows no limits and it will conquer.
I cannot help but feel like I was a part of something great this weekend.I am thankful for being humbled, inspired and infused with the hope of a Cancer free future.
Well said. It could not be said enough. While I was actually doing the ride, it was hard to keep going and at times I just wanted to stop. There were times that I would think, how am I going to finish this not only today, but get up and do it all again tomorrow?! Well, I did. Although with a bit of help by the shuttles on Sunday but I still managed to actually ride about 185kms in total. Now that it's over, I think, I could do that again.
What a magnificent, inspirational weekend :)
Congrats to everyone who participated and conquered.....
Ok....last year this was the most gruelling of all the Rides to Conquer Cancer (I met someone who had done them all). This year, they upped the ante with an additional 40km and a little more climbing.
Ya know what? It ain't that bad. As one survivor I rode alongside said: "I'd rather go through this than a session of chemo."
Thank you all who participated: staff, crew, and riders. This truly was another wonderful experience and I look forward to seeing you again in 2011.
Definitely an outstanding event! Congrats to all my fellow riders and thanks to all volunteers.
I liked how the course was set up with the biggest hills on day one, and being predominately downhill on day two. The headwind was tough at the end of day one, but not much anyone can do about that other than power through!
My training was definitely lagging behind compared to last year, but I was still able to complete the whole course with no walking and no sweeps. I averaged about 21 km/h, with a top speed of 68.3 km/h on the last downhill before Longview. That was fun.
-- Edited by JCP on Tuesday 29th of June 2010 06:34:33 PM
This was my first ride, and what a freakin' blast!! I want to start my training for next year already :)
"The hill" wiped me out and I had to walk a stretch of it. After that hill, I never made it all the way up another hill on Day 1. I feel like I still stayed in it by power walking when I couldn't ride anymore.
For Day 2 I was really worried. My legs were like jello and my stomach was queasy. I didn't know if I would be able to make it up a single hill...but I did, and then I conquered them all.
Next year: more hill training!!
I still get goosebumps and a smile thinking about the weekend :)
I walked little stretches here and there, but only enough to work the knots out of my legs. After that, it was back on the bike. The 28 km of climbing from Nanton to Chain Lakes was tough, but I succeeded.
Now, it is time to get my act together for next year :)
