Mamma Jamma Ride 9-25-10

Above is a pre training ride picture of Kathy and I at Mellow Johnny's.

I've been training all summer and I'm just 6 days away from my big ride. I'm so excited for this ride in so many ways. I blogged several months ago that the Mamma Jamma ride benefits 10 local organizations which is very powerful especially with our down economy right now. It's also special for me because it will be my first official bike ride ever. I've participated in the bike portion in a relay team in both the Danskin and the Sweet and Twisted this summer. They were both fun and great for team building but they were only 12 miles each.

I might sound crazy but I'm seriously thinking of attempting the 70miles. I KNOW I can do the 46 miles since I rode 61 miles last weekend. I may attempt the 70 and they can reroute me to the 46 if I'm too slow. Fingers crossed that will not be the case. All the variables will be important: temperature, wind, my energy level that day, hills and the pavement. I look at the weather and road so differently now. There are some roads that are not completely smooth but rather cobblestone like which creates much more friction which makes it much more challenging, even when it's flat. Learning that I can push my body and actually train for something is very exciting. I know the heat plays a huge mental factor. There have been two rides that I wanted to quit because I was hot and tired. When I think that I always tell myself that I've been through so much. I push myself because I have been through so much and I'm doing this for all the women that I've lost since I've been diagnosed.

Last year I used to think hardcore people that rode that much were nuts. Ironically I'm now "nuts." Nuts or not, I'm having so much fun meeting fantastic people at the training rides. Bill is our fearless leader organization the rides. The patience of my sweepers like Larry and Deborah makes me push myself at my level. Of course I've enjoyed it socially too. I have some cancer and noncancer friends in the training ride and it's always nice to spend time with them.

What I've also enjoyed about training for this ride is the support I've received from friends and family. I've mainly fund raised via Facebook because I hate sending out those emails. It's so easy to get bogged down by emails, etc. I've raised over $800 and I've sent out probably no more than 10 emails. I am overwhelmed with the love and support I've received. My old Pease family, old friends, people I've served (this is really special because it makes me feel I've touched their lives in a positive way and this is what the money is going towards,) Austin friends and family donate. How cool is that?

These are wonderful reasons enough to either ride, donate or volunteer, right? So do it! Click on the link! There's still time to do all of the above. You can donate to my page until end of October if you read this too late. And if you think you're too late? You're not! I would love to see you out there next year or donate if you're not in Austin. If you are in Austin, maybe Nutty Runi will attempt the 100 miles. I highly doubt it but having have cancer sure makes you a stronger person both inside and out.