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.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
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.
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.
Monday, July 9, 2012
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.
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.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
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.
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.
Monday, May 21, 2012
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.
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.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
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!
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!
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