What were we thinking!
That's what Jason and I affectionately titled our weekend as we were biking down the home stretch toward the Seabrook beach. And as we ran (ok stumbled) across the beach toward the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean the realization that we had just ridden 105 miles over the past three days started sinking in. This was truely a sense of accomplishment experienced few times in life, but with the sore bottoms and aching muscles we might as well have just won the Tour de France.A few months ago, Jason and I decided that over Memorial Day weekend we would ride our bikes across the state of New Hampshire to raise money for our trips this summer. So we got some sponsors, some bikes, and some grand ambitions and this past Saturday we set out on our legendary journey. After collecting a sample of the Connecticut River and snapping a picture at the 'Welcome to New Hampshire' sign, we started pedaling up the first hill having no idea what was in store. The first words out of our mouths should've been a clue: "Is it bad that I'm winded already?" Ten hours and 57 miles later we were never happier to see the light by the church driveway. Sunday morning after church we continued our trek through Nashua, by Sandi's place in Hudson, and on into Windham before the rain caught up with us. On the bright side, that gave us just enough time to get to the evening dance recital. But going only 16 miles on Sunday, we knew we still had a long day ahead of us on Monday, so we got up early only to find that Jason had been riding the last 73 miles with one of his brakes pressing against the front tire. Finally fixing the problem with some trusty masking tape we were on our way to complete our journey. Throughout the final 32 miles our bodies made us well aware that this ridiculous adventure had gone on long enough, but we pushed through the pain to our final destination, the Atlantic ocean.
Looking back on our weekend I can't help but see how closely an adventure like this parallels one's life. For instance, every uphill has a downhill on the otherside. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other and eventually you'll get to the top. Never boast beforehand like one who has already finished. Rest and rejuvenation are good for the body...and the soul. Two things it's always good to have in life are an encouraging friend and a healthy supply of GORP. And last but not least, more often than not, things are much easier said than done.
That's only the Reader's Digest version. If you want to hear more about our adventures along the way we'd love to chat, so don't hesitate to ask. And hopefully I'll get some pics on here soon to prove that we really did it. ;)
posted by mike @ 11:26 PM
3 Comments:
Congrats on making it. Hope it helped you raise the funds you needed.
While you and Jason were out 'joy riding', the dancers were busy with end of year recital. Two 4 hour shows and my butt was sore...can't imagine how much worse your felt on a tiny bike seat for 3 days!!
Congratulations on making it the whole way. I'm pretty sure I couldn't have done it. And thanks for taking the time to stop by the recital and see us dance. I know those seats must not have been comfortable after being on bikes for so long, but we all appreciated you being there.
I can't believe you guys actually did it! Actually I can. I'm pround of you. And thanks for coming to see us dance!
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