Wednesday, October 27, 2010

On the Eve of Departure

The training is officially over, as tomorrow we clamber aboard our flight to LAX. I haven't been able to get in any rides during this busy work week spent at Park City amidst the first snow of the season. This is supposed to be a tapering period anyway, right? I have to say, overall, we have had some spectacular fall weather; the combination of the perfect temperatures and the stunning fall colors in the canyons has made it a great time for cycling.

Two weeks ago, our Saturday long ride was a real treat. Julia, Radomir, Terry and I met Curtis in his home town of Wanship (just east of Park City) for a wonderful rural ride to Coalville and up Chalk Creek canyon.
Though the temperature was on the cool, crisp side, the sky was clear and cloudless, and we saw more cows and sheep than people along the way...it was refreshing in every way. Terry and Curtis got their heart rates to soar a little more than the rest of us as they did some side hill climbs for fun...really, you call that fun? While the guys out-paced us, they were kind and watchful and came back to escort us to our destination. On the way home, I stopped at the Pearl Izumi outlet store in Park City to pick up some cold weather gear, which ended up being very timely, because...

Last Saturday, Julia and friend Anja and I rode the loop through Lehi. Rain was in the forecast, but we hoped that with our early start we might be able outrun it...and we did, until we crested the point of the mountain hill on the way home. As Julia pointed out, it was good to get some "rain experience" under our belt in case we run into rain in California. By the time we reached my house, we were soaked. I squished in my shoes and socks. In fact, I waited until Monday to pack the biking shoes, as they were still drying out. The new rain jacket worked like a charm though, and the new full-finger gloves were a definite asset.

Today I packed up my bike, along with a lot of help from Sid and Dave (owner of the bike travel case) and stowed it in my car. After a couple of meetings tomorrow on the final day of our customer conference, I will dash down the canyon and meet Julia and her friend, who will take us and our large luggage to the airport. We are flying on Southwest, as they have the cheapest bike fee ($50), and will then pick up our rental car (SUV to hold the bikes) and then drive on to Thousand Oaks for dinner/orientation/packet pick-up. Friend and co-worker Janice McReaken is also flying out tomorrow eve and will be our personal photographer, cheerer-on-er and vehicle transporter.

Once again, as I reflect on the road leading me to this moment I am in awe. I am humbled by the generous hearts and outpouring of pocket-contents in support of my fund-raising efforts. My body and mind have been strengthened and toughened during rides organized by friends willing to spend Saturday mornings and after-work evenings dragging me along behind them as I tried to make up for lost summer training time. I am thrilled that the shattered shoulder healed enough for me to get back on my bike, even though as late as mid-August I was doubtful that I would be able to participate. While I have put forth a comparatively small smidgen of effort towards this task, it has really been the support and encouragement of family and friends and the grace of God which have delivered me on the doorstep of this eve of departure.

Thanks to you all in advance...the words of encouragement, the loan of a bike carrier, the continued tuning-up of the bike, the prayers for health and safety (my arm thanks you), the memorable training rides, the trip to CA to cheer and photo....you have all been amazing. Most of all, beyond my gratitude for what you have done for me individually, I thank you for what you have done in the fight against breast cancer in young women. I am sure in the next few days that I will find myself tearful, grateful, mournful, and joyful as I meet folks and hear their stories. I am looking forward to adding more pink threads to the tapestry of my life. I am like a kid on Christmas eve, anticipating an event which I believe will be life-changing and enriching. I can't wait to share it with you. gf

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