robtown

I haven't rode much for the last 6 months, Family and health issues have wrecked havoc on my schedule and fitness.

Today, before the onset of sleet, rain, snow and generally pissy weather I took out my new Colnago for a ride. I was ready for 5 miles but did a 10 mile loop. I also chased down another rider my age (and paid for it). I cannot say it was pleasant but the ride was good. The wool jersey w/hoodie and 50+ jacket were great.

I've also signed up for the Tour De Canal - 184 miles of C&O canal in two days this September. I now have a cross bike which should make it easier. I also picked up some nice Specialized Raval wheels.

NOS88

Sounds like spring training has started.

10 Wheels

Keep it moving.

Barrettscv 

Having an event to train for will make it real. Ride as much as possible!

XR2

I've ridden like maybe 5 miles this year. Good on ya for getting out. And we're expecting snow tonight and tomorrow. Damn.

Yen

I've ridden 0 miles this year... I'd settle for a 10-mile ride. I'm afraid this will be a year of riding for fitness alone, not events.

robtown

I built my Ritchey cross bike last year and am looking forward to riding the C&O on something better than the MTB I used in 2006. That was an exhausting two days.

These last few years family crisis come up during the first week of October - killing my planned Seagull Century ride each time. I happened to be under trained for the ride but it's been frustrating. Normally I can only ride by commuting to work. I plan to do that again as part of my fitness goals. The event in September and October will give me a reason to push harder - friends who donate in my name have a way of ensuring that.

pmcq

Robert,
I was going to simply extend my best wishes to you for the C&O ride and then I saw your sig line. I am happy to support your effort, and have done so on your donor page. My father died of Alzheimer's 18 years ago at the age of 68. As I approach 60, I do a mental check every day to see if I can detect the slightest sign that I would be the next in our family to experience this horrific disease. When I ride my bike, I feel as I can conquer whatever the world throws at me. I hope your ride fills you with the same sense of accomplishment and that it helps find a cure for this devastating disease. God speed.
~pam

outwest5

Glad you got out and rode today! My father in law also died of Alzheimers a year ago. He had the unfortunate luck to live for almost ten years after diagnosis. It was a horrific ordeal. The last two years of his life were hell for him and everyone around him. My husband is fearful of getting the disease, too. He has thought about being tested for the gene (they do that now), but it wouldn't change anything. So far at 57 he has no signs. His mother is over 80 and sharp. Hopefully he carried her genes.

Ride and ride! Soon you cold weather people will be able to get out and about.

Yen

I'm very sorry for my glib reply -- the result of reading your post too hastily and responding even more hastily. I encourage you to train for the event --- it surely helps to have a goal to pursue... and it doesn't hurt to also have a new bike and wheels.

doctor j

Well done on the initial ride of 2011. You've gotten your feet wet, so you can jump in and have at it.

Louis

Glad to hear that you got out, robtown. That September ride will be a great motivator.

I have yet to see the pavement from a bicycle seat this year.

cranky old dude

It's tough when family crisis arise.

Here's hoping for a better year for you and your family, and many safe and care-free miles.

robtown

Thank you for your support; I was trying to identify the new donor and figured it might be a BF member. My father at 85 has dementia and that scares me. Altzheimer's is even more frightening. Physical activity keeps all of us healthier at BF and I hope it will keep you stronger in body and mind.

Phil85207

We all need to be thankful for our health because when it's gone, nothing else matters.

DanteB

Great job, doubled your mileage! The Tour de Canal sounds like an exciting event. Keep training you'll get there.