I survived the big ride!

It is over, now a thing of the past and I can't wait to take on the next challenge.
The Sojourn bicycle trip to Vergenees, VT was FANTASTIC.
The first day was a breeze riding about 12 miles followed by a lobster dinner reception where we met the owner of Sojourn Bicycle Tours. And the wine was free flowing.
Our accommodations at the Basin Harbor Club were fantastic. The entire time we were there everything about the location was first rate.
Our tour guides Luke and Barb were unbelievable. You couldn't have asked for two nicer people.
I will admit I was one of the slowest riders in our group. But everyone was supportive and good natured about it. On the last day when we biked to Burlington I wasn't sure I would make it but Barb rode right by my side encouraging me and waiting for me all the way into downtown.
I am now looking forward to new September and being able to participate in the New Hampshire Three Notch Century. Have to start strengthening the legs for those hills.

The Big Ride is quickly approaching

Last week I was feeling on top of the world.
I felt like I was making fantastic progress.
This week I am frightened that I won't be able to complete even the shortest distances each day.
If I don't and run out of steam will I be failing myself?
Will we have wasted all that money?
I guess only time will tell.
What I do know is that throughout this ordeal I have managed to lose 51 pounds to date.
My energy level has increased dramatically. My arthritic left knee has gotten stronger and I can almost see my facial cheek bones.
I am scared and excited.
Every day I am on the bike and most days I try to make a spin class in the evening when I don't have to cover a meeting or event.
I am, not sure there is more that I can do.
Tomorrow, Les and I will be going for a 25-mile ride and then the reward will be lunch at a new vegetarian restaurant in Chester.
The countdown has begun for the Big Ride.

Motorists need to understand what bicyclists endure on roadways

This post is really for motor vehicle operators who are not familiar with cyclists.
When a cyclist is riding on the road there are many reasons why he/she may not be hugging the curb.
There might be a lot of road debris over there, or there might be a series of drain basins or the roadway might be littered with pot holes.
Any of these scenarios could mean disaster to a cyclist if their wheel gets caught up.
Another reason might be the visibility on that particular stretch of roadway. If the street is tree lined there might be a lot of shadows and riding more in the center of the road might increase visibility.

The clock is ticking faster than I can pedal

The trip of a lifetime is less than a month away.
I don't feel like I am prepared for this trip to Vermont for a bicycling adventure.
I am training twice a day for the past couple of weeks and plan to continue up till we leave.
Every morning at 6:30 a.m. you can find me pedaling my way around the town of orange.
You can't miss me. I have the bright orange top and a flashing light under the seat of the bicycle.
Some of you have seen me saying "Hi Bridget" as I pedal past you while you are out for an early morning stroll.
In the afternoon/evening you can find me at LA Fitness in a spin class. Here I am trying to make my legs stronger so I can pedal faster and harder.
While the weight is dropping off my body frame and I am able to wear clothes that have been in the closet for at least a decade I still don't think I am ready for this adventure.
The journey continues.

Only a month to go before the big ride!

It has been nearly a month since I last posted anything. It has been a REALLY long month training-wise.
I have been spending more time in the gym than in the saddle of my bicycle.
I have been focusing on endurance and strengthening my legs so the hills aren't as challenging next month in Vermont.
I am not sure they will be any less challenging as I still cannot scale the hill on Meetinghouse Lane!
That is definitely a bummer.
On a positive note I am ALMOST at -50 lbs! Of course my father-in-law in his complimentary way believes I have another 75 lbs to go ... enough said on that.
I do believe my endurance is better and I was able to go faster this morning.
My goal for this month is to be in the saddle every day that I can and in the gym working on leg strengthening at least three times a week.
This is it, I am in the home stretch.
I have not been able to accomplish as much as I had hoped to but what I have learned is that I can do m ore than I think.

There are some really nice people in Orange

While I have lived in the town of Orange for 23 years riding a bicycle in town has given me a new perspective on people.
There really are some considerate, caring folks who live in town.
Take this mornings ride for example - I was off my bike at Robert Treat and Ridge roads. It is one of those places I seem to always stop at to catch my breath and drink some water.
A woman in a mini van stopped to see if I was alright. It made my morning.
This wasn't the first time I have encountered caring people on this journey to a better me.
When I was learning the basics of staying upright on the bicycle I took a tumble and fell in the High Plains Community Center parking lot. A number of people rushed over to offer assistance. I was so embarrassed by the fall I told them it was a practice fall although my shoulder was killing me.
More recently, a couple of weeks ago I took another fall right in front of Town Hall. A motorist who happened to be passing by stopped to see if everything was alright.
There are of course those who don't even see you on a bicycle. It seems they are driving along in their own little world and the damn bicycle is in their way. Or they are talking on their cell phone or texting while driving.
In any event a cyclists has to have eyes in the back of their helmets sometimes.
It is a hard feeling to get used to.
Anyway there are some really caring people in town and I thank them - you - for making the time to stop.

Two steps forward, three backwards

It has been a month since I last posted and a lot has happened.
I can now ride nearly 15 miles as long as those miles are flat.
Throw in a couple of good hills and I am wiped out.
On a couple of occasions I have tried to start my ride from home instead of driving to a location.
Each time this is done it completely wipes me out before the ride is really even started.
My other half, who is a triathlete, has suggested that I need to strengthen my core and legs. So I am now back in the gym doing leg strengthening and the god awful stair master.
I am beginning to lose my optimism of being ready for the September bike ride. It is really depressing.
I have also hit another plateau with weight loss. Fortunately I haven't gained any weight back but I haven't lost any either.

Rain, rain go away

Well I had my first bicycling experience in the rain today - and I survived it. In fact the rain may have gotten me pedaling faster!
When I parked on the town green the sun was shinning. By the time I began to pedal down Orange Center Road the raindrops were beginning to fall. I looked at the sky and it was blue so I continued to pedal on.
By the time I was passing Peck Place School the raindrops were beginning to become persistent. and by the time I turned onto Treat lane I was getting a soaking.
I pulled over under a tree on Ridge Road only to see lightening and hear thunder nearby.
I couldn't decide if I was safer under the tree or on the bicycle. So I began to pedal some more.
Had my best time yet on the route about 25 minutes. The first time I rode the route it took me nearly an hour-and-a-half.
I survived my first rainstorm. My clothes were soaking wet. Now I hope a cold doesn't follow.

Two steps forward, one backwards

Driving back and forth to Silver Sands State Park was beginning to wear on me. It was also costing a fortune between the 45 minute drive and the $9 to get in. But I was up to 15 miles there.
Saturday I rode with Lesley in Orange. She was indeed an asset.
She rode behind me and kept me going. I am learning how to plan for hills.
We rode 9 miles through town. I never realized how hilly my town is. Nor did I realize how bad some of the town roads are on the sides.
I was exhausted afterwards but had to go help with a rabies clinic. If I didn't have to do that I am sure I would have taken a nap.
I learned that I do have a large tear in my right shoulder which has made riding a bit more challenging. I will have the surgery in September.
Something else I am noticing is that the top of my hands feel like there is something pinching them after riding.
I even got new hand grips and it is still happening.
Riding a bike is not that easy when you are older.
I have many fears. I am afraid to take my eyes off the road, have a rear view mirror on the handlebars to keep an eye on traffic.
I am gaining new respect for cyclists. Cars are not considerate of people on bicycles.
Les and I were at Ridge Road and Old Grassy Hill Roads. We waited at the four way stop sign for our turn to go. Les gave me a bit of a head start and started to follow me and a woman actually started to drive right into her.
Note to drivers if there is more than one biker at the intersection they will all go together.
I am now at -23 pounds.

Some progress - finally

I am happy to write that I have lost 17 pounds. I know there is a long way to go but at least this is a start.
Of course no one has noticed but that is to be expected.
I am also making a little progress on the bicycle. Sunday I rode 7 miles without falling. I took the bike to Silver Sands State Park and rode down to the Audubon Center and back. When I got back I felt like I could have kept going.
I must say it is pretty difficult to ride with traffic, gutters and drain basins in the rode.
It was also challenging to navigate the narrow streets with cars parked on both dies full of church goers. That was when I got off and walked.
I recently learned I have a torn rotator cuff in my right shoulder. It has limited my training some because it is constantly in pain. Tomorrow I learn what the remedy will be. I am, hoping it is physical therapy and nothing more.
Wish me luck!

Misery seems to love company

Trying to get into shape is really challenging right now. Take yesterday for instance. I took my bicycle over to High Plains Community Center where there is a large area that is paved. I need to feel comfortable on the bicycle before venturing into traffic. As I was attempting to ride and shift gears the bicycle kind of stopped and I fell off of it onto my shoulder. The same shoulder my doctor told me on Friday that most likely has a rotator cuff tear. When I fell numerous people came over and asked if I was alright. My pride was so hurt that I told them I was fine and that I was learning how to fall. Yep, I told them it was a planned fall. I got back on the bike and rode around for a while longer until I couldn't stand the discomfort in my shoulder. On a positive note my gym time is still consistent. I am still struggling with the stairmaster.

There are not enough hours in the day

I am in a rut. My work schedule has become rather hectic taking up a lot of time which means it has become difficult to carve out a couple of hours for the gym. I am not one of those gym rats who doesn't mind going to the gym at 10 or 11 p.m. at night when stories have been filed. About that time all I want to do is have my head hit a pillow. The thing is I like the way I feel when I leave the gym. My feet are almost floating and I am happy. Hopefully though, with the daylight beginning to be extended my mental attitude will be better.

Plugging along

I have been a little negligent in updating my quest to become healthier. It has been getting a bit more challenging to lose weight and gain stamina. I am, so to speak, a work in progress. I have added the stairmaster to my workout in the hopes of getting stronger legs to help me stay on the bicycle longer and not become frustrated. This weekend was supposed to be my first trip outside on the bike but snow is foretasted for tomorrow, so that will probably not happen. Also, my bike is still in the shop getting tuned up. Hula hoop class is going pretty well. I can keep the hoop going now instead of immediately dropping it to the ground. Probably the most important aspect is that I am still feeling positive and continue to believe in myself. Also, while I have not lost much weight, I haven't gained any back either.

Time to increase the workout

Tonight I am taking a giant step in strengthening my legs. I am going to add the stair master to my workout. This is a challenging addition as it can be uncomfortable on my knees to go up and down steps. But I am told it will quickly give me quad strength which is needed for pedal power. I now also have a good knee brace which should give my left knee some support. I am not feeling like I am making enough progress fast enough. I think the spell of warm weather has begun to make me panic. Kind of OMG it is already warm out and I not on the road beginning to make any progress. My diet, on the other hand, seems to be getting better. In the morning I have been having a protein shake and a couple of hours later yogurt and blueberries. Then lunch at work and a high protein dinner with greens. Lately the greens have been red kale and red swiss chard.

I am finally beginning to make some progress

These days you can find me at the gym four to five days a week. I am increasing my time on the treadmill and elliptical trainer. In addition to increasing the time I am also increasing the resistance which makes the task even more difficult. I am almost ready to begin to hit the open road. It scares me to share the space with vehicles. A while back I wrote a story about road rage and bicyclists. I interviewed an expert cyclist who told me some scary stories. I am also trying to find an older Jeep Wrangler to buy for the dogs and my bike. I figure it will be easier to put my bike on a rack on the back of the Jeep than into the bed of the Cherokee.

I am missing my peeps in hoop class

I have the late shift tonight and therefor have to miss my hula hoop class. It's a class at Amity High School and the instructor is great. And the best part of the class is the fact that I am not the only one who finds hooping challenging! Have you ever tried keeping a hula hoop going? It really is constant work and you have to find the right move to keep the momentum. It is a workout.

I CAN do it!

I am finally beginning to get the knack of hula hooping.

Yesterday I am sure our neighbors think I am crazy. There I am standing on the patio trying to swirl this giant hoop around my waist. Right now the trees don't have any leaves to hide my contorted body movements. But I did it!

This whole experiment of losing weight and getting into shape is beginning to get costly.

Specialized eye wear $400. New bike helmet $48. And this is only the beginning as I will need more items once I am actually on the road.

So far I have only been in the gym. And tonight I am starting spin classes!

Warning: Hula hoops can be painful

The first hula hoop class was actually FUN.

It was also difficult and painful. But I guess pain can be good.

The instructor warned us that we might begin to notice bruising on our bodies. She also suggested we might want to wear gloves for the hand and arm work. You twirl the hoop between your thumb and index finger.


This morning I hurt like hell. Arms, shoulders and lower back really sore. I put of the MRM on the areas and it worked like magic. Unfortunately, it does have a strong odor.


This evening I am heading to the gym for the usual workout and a little time in the spin class.

Sore and crabby

I worked my butt off last evening at the gym and today I am paying for it.

Spent time on the treadmill. Then went over to the elliptical machine. From there I went into the spin room and joined the class.

There is no question that sitting on a bicycle seat is going to take some getting used to.

Those seats are NOT comfortable at all.

I also did some upper body work on two different machines. So m y knees, lower back and upper body all hurt together.

What did I learn from this experience?

No pain no gain. I hope!

A small start

Alright, I have actually stepped into LA Fitness twice so far. I wish they were a little more considerate with the music they played. Not everyone wants to have their ears pierced with the loud music. I prefer my own music and brought along my ipod. Unfortunately, in order to drown out the LA Fitness music I had to crank my volume quite high. I did some stretching, spent about 15 minutes on the treadmill and another 10 on the elliptical machine. Then I did some upper body stuff. Interestingly, I felt happy when I left the gym. Over the weekend we pulled my bike down from the hangar in the garage and it is in the back of the car to be dropped off at the bike shop for a once-over. Tonight, more gym time. I also signed us up for travel insurance. This should now mean everything will go fine and we won't need it!

The Big 6 0

I am 60 and fat. There, I put it in black and white. Turning 60, which I did in January, has really been kind of traumatic for me. Neither of my parents lived to be this age. Last year before the holidays I was dreading hitting the big 6 0. I decided to stop coloring my hair. After all, I rationalized; I don’t want those chemicals in my body. I no longer use ANY products that have been tested on animals. So why am I still coloring my hair? The simple answer, I told myself, was that I was doing my best to hide my age. I work in an environment where many of my coworkers are much younger than I am I rationalized. On my birthday, we did NOTHING. This was not a year to celebrate still being alive. I am not by anyone’s imagination athletic. However I am about to become just that. I came to the conclusion that to help me get through this year I need a change. So when we received an offer to go on a bicycle trip in Vermont I convinced my spouse that this would be a good move. She, is in fantastic shape and is a triathlete. This is nothing for her. But for me the next six months I will be in training. Yesterday I went to the doctor to make sure I had no medical complications. I received a clean bill of health. This morning I went to the eye doctor and had my vision checked and talked to her about proper glasses. My next step will be Kennedy & Perkins eye glass in New Haven to talk with Richard about some kind of wrap around glasses that will increase my vision. This weekend you will be able to find my at L. A. Fitness. The gym is about to become my friend. A scary thought indeed. Stay tuned to ‘Bridget’s great adventure. Any help you might want to offer will be appreciated.