In Honor of...
08-10-11, 09:40 AM
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In Honor of...
In Honor of....
Lasy year I rode from Crystal River to New Smyrna Beach in honor of my sister and mother-in-law. The ride let me deal with my grief and brought clarity to the loss.
The moment the ride was over, my ride partners said they wanted to do it again in 2011...well it's time to get it together!
Ride details:
13 November
Crystal River to New Smyrna Beach
128 miles
We start at the Crystal Beach boat ramp at 0630 and finish when we finish. Each rider is responsible for their own SAG, food, water, etc.
Read my story from last year....
Last January, I lost my sister to MS. 6 weeks later I lost my mother-in-law to cancer. I have been battling depression and the other issues survivors deal with. I started riding my bike to divert my energy into something positive for myself. A friend noted that I should share my story with people that they might know they are not alone when suffering from a loss.
Best regards to all
Bob
Lasy year I rode from Crystal River to New Smyrna Beach in honor of my sister and mother-in-law. The ride let me deal with my grief and brought clarity to the loss.
The moment the ride was over, my ride partners said they wanted to do it again in 2011...well it's time to get it together!
Ride details:
13 November
Crystal River to New Smyrna Beach
128 miles
We start at the Crystal Beach boat ramp at 0630 and finish when we finish. Each rider is responsible for their own SAG, food, water, etc.
Read my story from last year....
Last January, I lost my sister to MS. 6 weeks later I lost my mother-in-law to cancer. I have been battling depression and the other issues survivors deal with. I started riding my bike to divert my energy into something positive for myself. A friend noted that I should share my story with people that they might know they are not alone when suffering from a loss.
Best regards to all
Bob
We started our morning at 6:50, leaving the boat ramp at Crystal River and heading into a beautiful sunrise. Left to right: Kory, Mikey P, me, and Kirt. Mikey P and Kory are riding FIXIES! Kirt's wife Susan, my wife Laura, my son Nate, and Mike (a friend) ran SAG for us providing all the necessities we needed.
On the first leg of the trip, Mikey P's bike broke down. He racked it and rode the rest of the way with my son Nate. Note for next year...make sure everyone has DETAILED maps of the route...the SAG's got lost!
Thankfully, the ride was uneventful. The truly impressive part of the whole trip was Kory riding his fixie. Not only did he keep up, he PULLED his fair share! As we approached the 100 mile mark in Deland, he sprinted up a hill leaving Kirt and I behind in his dust. He earned the right to cross the 100 Mile mark first, and he earned our respect.
Leaving Deland, we headed toward the last third of our journey.
As we crossed the 116 mile mark, the temperature cooled from the sea breeze, and we knew we were close. A headwind all the way to the end and one last hill to go. I looked at the bridge and thought, "Easy Money!" As we crested the hill, I noticed the railroad tracks under us and got that sinking feeling...the Intercoastal bridge showed itself and we all felt a little sick. Damn that thing was high and steep. Kory noted that this would finish his legs. I looked at Kirt and asked "Who came up with this idea?" Onward we went, each at our own pace. Kirt topped out first, then me, then Kory. WE MADE IT! Down the hill a quick left and we ended up at Flagler and Columbus and The Ocean!
Each of us celebrated our achievements and the first statement was, "I can't wait untill we do this again next year!"
My thanks to everyone who made this ride possible: My lovely wife for the sacrifices she made helping me get ready. My family, friends, co-workers, my riding partner Pete, and Forum-mates who prayed for our safety and success.
My thoughts after completing this ride? Life goes on though our loved ones have passed on. Everyone dies. Don't be sad they are gone, celebrate how they lived and be happy to have shared in their lives, if only for a moment. Pray. Ask for help. Believe in Guardian Angles. Share yourselves with others and enjoy their friendship.
Best regards to all,
Bob
On the first leg of the trip, Mikey P's bike broke down. He racked it and rode the rest of the way with my son Nate. Note for next year...make sure everyone has DETAILED maps of the route...the SAG's got lost!
Thankfully, the ride was uneventful. The truly impressive part of the whole trip was Kory riding his fixie. Not only did he keep up, he PULLED his fair share! As we approached the 100 mile mark in Deland, he sprinted up a hill leaving Kirt and I behind in his dust. He earned the right to cross the 100 Mile mark first, and he earned our respect.
Leaving Deland, we headed toward the last third of our journey.
As we crossed the 116 mile mark, the temperature cooled from the sea breeze, and we knew we were close. A headwind all the way to the end and one last hill to go. I looked at the bridge and thought, "Easy Money!" As we crested the hill, I noticed the railroad tracks under us and got that sinking feeling...the Intercoastal bridge showed itself and we all felt a little sick. Damn that thing was high and steep. Kory noted that this would finish his legs. I looked at Kirt and asked "Who came up with this idea?" Onward we went, each at our own pace. Kirt topped out first, then me, then Kory. WE MADE IT! Down the hill a quick left and we ended up at Flagler and Columbus and The Ocean!
Each of us celebrated our achievements and the first statement was, "I can't wait untill we do this again next year!"
My thanks to everyone who made this ride possible: My lovely wife for the sacrifices she made helping me get ready. My family, friends, co-workers, my riding partner Pete, and Forum-mates who prayed for our safety and success.
My thoughts after completing this ride? Life goes on though our loved ones have passed on. Everyone dies. Don't be sad they are gone, celebrate how they lived and be happy to have shared in their lives, if only for a moment. Pray. Ask for help. Believe in Guardian Angles. Share yourselves with others and enjoy their friendship.
Best regards to all,
Bob
08-10-11, 05:07 PM
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Sounds like a nice ride and wish I could join it. I can't make it but, I will be in Clermont bright and early on the 20th for the Horrible Hundred.
08-10-11, 05:16 PM
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Bob,
This is a good and positive thing for you to do. My oldest daughter went missing and was murdered several years ago. Every year, on her birthday, I take off from work, and do a century ride. The first years I did this to handle my grief. I found I could replay her life in my head, on a bike ride, without becoming really depressed and despondant. Over time it has mellowed and has become a time to honor her. Last year my brother rode with me, the first time I had any company. This year my brother and my wife will come along.
What you have done is a good way to do something good and positive to answer your loss and grief. Good job.
Rob
This is a good and positive thing for you to do. My oldest daughter went missing and was murdered several years ago. Every year, on her birthday, I take off from work, and do a century ride. The first years I did this to handle my grief. I found I could replay her life in my head, on a bike ride, without becoming really depressed and despondant. Over time it has mellowed and has become a time to honor her. Last year my brother rode with me, the first time I had any company. This year my brother and my wife will come along.
What you have done is a good way to do something good and positive to answer your loss and grief. Good job.
Rob
Last edited by rmcleod; 08-10-11 at 05:17 PM. Reason: sic
08-11-11, 10:22 AM
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Great first post Rob, and I'm sorry for your loss. You didn't say where you ride, but you're welcome to ride with us. We had some folks last year that lived out of state, but rode "with" us that day. It really does help.
I knew Kerlenbach would jump on board, just to hump that last hill without puking!
Paul...here is the route....Welcome aboard!
https://classic.mapmyride.com/ride/un...28919480645781
With a little jog north at the end we finish at a little park with outdoor showers...oH YEAH it was a cold shower...but it sure felt GOOD!
Kory and Mikey P said they are in again this year...on their FIXIES!
Best regards to all
Bob
I knew Kerlenbach would jump on board, just to hump that last hill without puking!
Paul...here is the route....Welcome aboard!
https://classic.mapmyride.com/ride/un...28919480645781
With a little jog north at the end we finish at a little park with outdoor showers...oH YEAH it was a cold shower...but it sure felt GOOD!
Kory and Mikey P said they are in again this year...on their FIXIES!
Best regards to all
Bob
Last edited by Bob/FLA; 08-11-11 at 10:29 AM.
11-16-11, 06:13 PM
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If I'm in state by that time, I'd be honored to join you in March.
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