It's OK to change your mind. Sometimes it's the right thing.

Just last week, I wrote about loving my bike and making some modifications to enhance the performance so that it can go Sea To Sea. Now I mentioned how several trusted friends who are real cyclists suggested that this wasn't the bike to do this venture on, today's trip to the bike shop brought the reality home.
I met with a nice young guy, Tim at Cyclepath. I told him what I was doing and what I wanted to upgrade. He flatly said, "This is a very good bike but it's not the bike you need for this type of trip." He pointed out all the good things about my bike but there are significant things that just won't work for Sea to Sea(weathering, sealed bearings, his says I should even consider moving up a size) They can make most of the modifications that I want but the trip would put so much demand on the mechanics that I would wear this bike out and have to get a new one afterwards anyway. Not what I wanted to hear. Tim assured me that I had a very good bike but it just wasn't built for what I wanted it to do. I told him that it wasn't the first time I had heard this before. He replied "Well, doesn't that tell you something?"
It reminds me of a friendship that I have. When I first met this friend, they seemed really cool but then there was this nasty turn and we parted on what was not the best of terms. We crossed paths a few months later and realized we had behaved badly and had the wrong impression of each other. We decided to put the past behind and move forward with new perspective. But that has been harder than I thought. It's hard to change your mind. To have the grace to move forward on the right path and not harbour resentment or to feel judgements- constantly paying for the sins of the past. Letting go, seeing a-new, listening to what is right when it goes against what you have experienced is hard. Friendship needs the right base, an open mind and heart and tons of acceptance, forgiveness and grace.
I need to have an open mind and heart for this trip too or I will never make it. I need to listen to those who care about me and know about cycling so that I am equipped for the task. As my friend Tracy said "At least by getting a new bike, it will be built for the job even if your body isn't!" I love my bike and I don't want to destroy something I love just to prove a point.

So the cost of outfitting the current bike about $400. The cost of new bike already outfitted $600( It's not a Schwinn, it's not red but it is comfortable and well built). The guys at Cyclepath in London are willing to negotiate some discounts and stuff as they know this is for charity.What do I do? Give me your insight, your advice.

Adding insult to injury- my new friend Tim was taking my name down to get back to me on some stuff and asked if I had a son. I said no. He said" Oh, just wondering as I went to school with a guy who had the same last name." I looked at him-"You think I'm old enough to be your mom? How sad is that?!?!?" Brian(the owner) started laughing and said he would put him through some sensitivity training! Tim tried to save himself "I'm not that old-How old do you think I am?" I replied "I'm hoping you're a cycling prodigy, about 5yrs old."

The Purpose-The Plan.. It's Not About Me

The Sea-To-Sea journey is not just a personal adventure. It's not just about me going beyond my physical and mental comfort zones. As I have told people about my goal, they are often excited and we get into great discussions about cycling technique, equipment and adventure stories. But in this, I am missing the opportunity to discuss the REAL story behind the ride-the purpose.
Sea-To-Sea is not about raising awareness of cycling-although in this hyper-do-it-green society that is a sexy sell. No, Sea To Sea is about being aware that the bike I ride is worth a few months salary to some people-a year for others. That my helmet would buy tuition, books and a uniform for some child to go to school for a year. That I don't have to worry about whether the water in my bottle is safe to drink. That I am able to live with cancer because I live in a country that has healthcare that can sustain me. That by completing this ride-God willing-some one else can have a little better standard of living-a chance at one. I can't change the whole world...but I can make a difference in somebody's world.

And so we focus on fund-raising. The minimum is $10,000. At first this seems like a lot of money and it kinda is but we have a year and I have thought out a plan.
1- If 100 people donate $100....We've got the minimum. Very doable but let's not stop there.
2- The Un-Wedding Party for my 40th Birthday party will be a fundraiser. I don't need more stuff but if you want to give money or cycling supplies(maybe I can "register" at the local cycling shops!) that would be most appreciated.
3-Speaking of Birthday parties- the hot new trend is fund-raising parties. If you, your kids or friends are looking for a cause...Here I am. Anyone or group that gets on board I will gladly come before and after the ride and talk to the gang..bike safety, setting goals, preparation, third world issues...all good. IF you want...or you can pay to have me stay away!
4-Jon Bon Jovi- As you may know, I have had a serious crush on this guy for over 20yrs. Sadly my most long-term relationship. He has never played London and Sea To Sea is suppose to end in his home town, Jersey City NJ. I think he should do a benefit concert here in London. What we need is an address/contact information for him/his people. We will then start a letter/email campaign. I figure the worst he can say is No. Any research you can do, information you can get, strings you can pull- do it. I think this is doable. Let's see what needs to be done.

Any other options or idea...post away. I'd love to hear it.

And as I talk to people about my ride, let me NEVER lose the opportunity to share the real purpose of the ride-about the world and what I believe.

Let's think BIG!

It takes a village....

People have been asking "who" I am doing this adventure with. I tell the the CRWR organization and they say, "No, no. Who is going with you?" I reply "Up to 500 other cyclists from Canada & US."
"But don't you personally know anyone?"
"Not yet."
They are always surprised. "Why would you do this alone?"
I tell them-"I have yet to feel that I am doing this alone."
From the very beginning, I have been surrounded by support, encouragement and help. Heather offered to plan out my fund-raising campaign. John willing to do training runs with me("Let me know when you're going to do the K-W run." AHHHH- how's July looking for you John???) My Baseball team cheering me on as I pedal to games and can still play 7 innings. Friends checking in on my progress-(25kms a day right now, in just under 1hr with both ends at the same pace.)
George and John teaching me about cadence and changing my cycling style( I actually have a style-who knew?!?!?)
Just last week my community at First CRC, voted in favour of being my endorsing congregation-rumour has it that it wasn't much of a debate. I am touched and honoured and truly blessed to be a part of their family.
Geoff is already getting ideas about gear and tools and the whole Vanderkooy gang is happy to have the ferrets for 9-10 weeks( Do we HAVE to wait until next year?is it 10 weeks or 10 months?-gotta love the kids)
Eric and Elise have already given their financial pledge. Tracy proudly sent this blog links to all her friends and family. Art mentioned how much energy and glow I have from training. Albert asked who my mechanic was. (Ok... That was a moment of panic...AHH?!!? I need a mechanic??!?!?) Albert and John both offering to train me on my clips. Apparently, this orientation often leads to humorous moments for the trainer and sometimes the trainee so for them it's a win-win. And the list continues to grow.
How could I ever feel alone? God has surrounded me with the most amazing people.
Oh...there have been a few nay-sayers( 100kms a day? Good luck with that!!)
But it's not about luck. It's about preparation and perseverance. And not trying to do it alone. Just like life.( more about that later. :) )

I am Invisible

I know that may sound delusional and is not even the power I would choose as a superhero but basically I pretend that nobody can see or hear me while I am on my bike. Therefore, I am completely responsible for making my way around and always giving the right of way. It is with this belief and attitude that I keep myself safe while biking through the city. Yesterday is an example of how.
I was headed home on my usually route riding close to the curb(where I am suppose to be) along a line of traffic that was backed up. As I was approaching a corner, a car had left a break in the traffic so that a large truck could make a left turn on to the side street(also what is suppose to happen.) I slowed down so that I wasn't going to be in the way of the turning truck(He can't see me!) Just after the truck finished the turn, a van behind the car suddenly pulled out to turn right and right in front of me. The side of the van knocked my elbow and then they proceeded with their turn. I hastily steadied myself and my bike before hitting the curb and heading into a light pole. I yelled out and the van slowed, a passenger looked over their shoulder and then continued down the street-never stopping. The van was a light blue late model Caravan plate AVXM 740. At least one of us was paying attention.
As soon as I got home, I called the police to report the incident. Constable Boyko came over to take my statement. He is a cyclist and understands the issues and dangers of city traffic. He actually recognised my bike as he sees me riding with my basket, in skirts and heels downtown and is impressed( Cops have powers that see the invisible sometimes :) ). He asks if I'm OK and what I would like done. My suggestion is that we should confiscate the van and make the driver and passenger ride bikes for a week. Boyko likes the idea but apparently we don't have the power to implement the plan. Instead, he wants to take action so that next time they are more aware. I say it would be better if they were more aware so that there isn't a next time.

Boyko decides that a home visit is called for, he'll tell the owners of the vehicle(I got the description and plate dead on) that the report is on file and actions are pending. He'll let them sweat it out a few days then call back with a warning. I hope this is effective. I hope by telling my story that maybe we all can be more aware. No need for next times.
FYI- Yes, I was wearing my helmet!!!!

Built for the Job?

This is my body. Like my bike, it's not really built for the task I am asking it to do. That has been abundantly clear as I try to buy cycling clothes to train in that just don't come in my size. Apparently, breasts don't contribute to the optimum aerodynamics of cycling.

Unlike my bike, I can't say I love my body. Internally, it has just betrayed me too much to say that I can trust it. But I can say that I have learned to accept it, adapt to life in it and even like a few things about it. It's easy to pick out it's size 16 faults. I don't even want to know it's BMI- that's just another number for me to over analyze. It's lumpy, my legs are WAY to small for the upper body. My skin, hair and nails betray the years of treatments that have sustained it. And if you have to have extra parts, why does it have to be chins?

But there are a lot of things I like about my body. I may not be a super model but I don't have to wear a bag over my head. Yes, my legs are too small but they are also probably the leanest body part and so they have allowed me to be much more active than my body would otherwise allow. I like that my range of motion and flexibility are way above average despite my weight also being way above average. I like that you can't tell by looking at it, all the things that are good about it. In that way my body is the exception, which in some ways makes it exceptional.

That is why, like my bike, I believe that with a little work and fine tuning, it too can go Sea To Sea. I'm sure several people have looked at me thinking-"Is she serious?" But John V who did the trek in 2005, didn't even question it. He just said "I've heard you speak and you have the attitude and drive. That is what is most important." Like my bike, my body is probably going to make it harder but still it will go Sea To Sea. With God helping me.

Built for the Job.

This is my bike. I LOVE this bike! I bought it after my other bike was destroyed when I was hit by a car. I had always wanted a Schwinn. Although I thought it would be classic red, I like the sophistication of the metallics. YES! Colours matter for modes of transportation-There is a reason you don't buy a taupe Ferrari. I like the comfort seat, the raised handle bars and of couse, my after-factory installed carry basket. I also like the feel of my bike. This was a lot harder to get use to when I first bought it, as it is easily 1/2 the weight of my previous bike. Think about the physics, when I am riding it 80% of the total mass is above the seat. That brings up all sorts of center of gravity issues that I have to NOT think about. But still, I love this bike, how it moves, how it looks and how it feels. I love that my friends Tracy and Mark think that I'm the coolest thing on wheels when they see me pedalling around town in a skirt and heels, basket full of stuff.

For this reason, I have been greatly stressed by some people's dismissing of it. When I first told my friend, Pieter that I was considering doing Sea To Sea, his first response was- "You going to get a new bike?" I was puzzled. "NO- I love that bike! I ride it everyday! I know that bike! I want to do Sea To Sea on it." Since the announcement of my impending adventure, several "serious" cyclists have said the same thing. Dan clearly stated "That bike just isn't built for what you want to do. You're just making it hard on yourself"

OK but I think I can make some modifications, like clip pedals and street wheels, and this bike will work. Yes, it may be harder, but sometimes you make life a little harder for yourself to keep the things you love. I know this bike. I trust this bike. This bike can go Sea To Sea.

So it begins.....

Well I'm starting this blog today to chart my journey towards my participation in the cycling tour Sea To Sea 2008. I will be joining a group of cyclists that will pedal their way from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean over 9 weeks next summer.

I decided to do this just s few weeks ago and I am truly touched by all the support and encouragement I have received as I have told people about my intent.

I am an information junkie and love to learn. The first thing I have discovered is that while I have been riding a 2 wheel bike for over 30 years, I have NO idea how to cycle!!!! How is it that you can be doing something everyday for so long and have no idea what you are doing?

I have also learned that there are 2 ways for people to respond to this... First let me give some insight into my personality. As an information junkie, I have a vast amount of knowledge that has accumuatled over the years. It's helpful because it allows me to be a very social creature and there are few people that I can't engage in conversation. New people fasinate me. However, with all good things there is a down side. In this case, it is the response that I get from people.

A- They are engaged and appreciative of my knowledge and willing to give me more insight.

OR

B- They think I am some sort of know it all and take pleasure in trying to trip me up, prove me wrong.

I know I don't have all the answers. If I did, I wouldn't have more to learn-NO FUN! But I'm not one to take information at face value without checking it out. I also want to be one of the "A" people when I meet someone new...willling to listen, offering my view, all coming away with better understanding or at least something to check out.

This cycling adventure certainly has opened the door to new learning( What is Cadance in terms of cycling? How do I use my gears to my advantage?) and I am looking forward to the world that is being opened to me.