Feels Great

Back in January of this year, I published this post stating the cycling goals I had set for myself. After a disappointing 2008 on the bike, I did not want a repeat in 2009.

Well, the 2009 cycling season has now ended for me, and I am very, very happy to follow up and say that not only did I meet my goals, I believe I exceeded them. In 2008, I was plagued by physical and mental blocks that kept me from entering any cycling events. I began this year with a lofty goal of having the fitness, and mental stubbornness, to complete three 100+ mile events before the end of the season. I planned to enter and complete the Ride for Missing Children, the Tour de Cure, and The LIVESTRONG Challenge Philadelphia.

So, how did my season shape up? This May, I completed the 100-mile Ride for Missing Children. An incredibly rewarding, and emotional chaperoned event that provides safety education to elementary students, and raises funds for The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

This July, we spent ten days camping in Maine, and I naturally brought my bike. The roads, hills, and scenery of coastal Maine are second to none, especially when viewed on two wheels. One of these rides is the climb up to the peak of Cadillac Mountain. This ride has been on my Bucket List for years, but I have never had the opportunity, or fitness, to attempt it. This year I did, and completed the 3-mile, 1,532 ft climb to the waiting cheers of Donna, Gavin, and Isabelle at the summit. One less thing on the Bucket List.

This August, I completed the 100-mile LIVESTRONG Challenge Philadelphia. Once again, with the support of family, friends, and colleagues, we raised over $3000 to support the fight against Cancer, bringing the total we have raised in the last four years to over $14,000. The event was hot and humid, but I crossed the finish line very happy with my efforts to the waiting hugs of Donna, Gavin, Isabelle, and My Mom! Loved having them all there to support me.

To round out this season, I decided to enter the Highlander Cycle Tour. This event is celebrating it's tenth year, and is one that I have often considered, but never attempted in previous years. In the cycling community it is widely talked about as the hardest event in the Region, so it is one that needs to be tried, at least once. Unlike the hot and humid conditions of the Philly ride, the Highlander was ridden with temps in the 50s, and a heavy fog mist falling for the entire day. I was chilled to the bone, and over the course of the 102-miles and 7000' of climbing, I forced myself to dig deeper than I ever have to cross the finish line. The feeling at the finish is one that is hard to describe, but through the chill, pain, and exhaustion I was more proud of myself than I have ever been. I do not know if I will be back to the Highlander. It may be an event that I am just happy to say "yep, I did that once. Back in 2009".

So, after not completing any events in 2008, I bounced back both physically and mentally to complete three 100+ mile events and one epic Bucket List ride. In addition to the miles ridden, I was proud to support some amazing organizations that do much needed work for very valuable causes.

Now, I bring my season to a close. The bike is cleaned, and hanging in the rack. I will still ride, but not with the drive that allowed me to accomplish so much this summer. Now, I will pedal and listen to the breeze. Take in the fall colors, and enjoy the smells. I won't worry about my pace, speed, or time for a few weeks. I earned some enjoyment. I know, soon enough, I will be back at it, and the 2010 season will be here.