[Sportsandrec] Gearing Up for that First Tandem Ride

[Jennifer Boylan]

Hi Ron and All!  Major Tom returning to earth...Ground control, I have a
problem!  I found out I do not have "Buns of Steel".  This gives me new
appreciation for the term "saddle sore" for sure.  My shoulders ache a
little bit (from the extra helmet weight, I'm told) but my legs are fine and
my cardio was good.  I hear miles in the saddle (or off of it) are the only
cure.  Next time I will be more prepared!
Enough whining--I can only sit here so long to tell my tale (besides that of
my tail).  The ride was awesome!!! My captain gave me a guided tour of all
the scenery and the proximity of other riders, including my teammate who was
riding with his brother.  The weather held out and I was comfy in a t-shirt,
windbreaker and shorts.  There were rolling hills and only one steep grade
on the way back from the rest stop.  I only slipped off the pedal once when
the captain switched several gears but recovered without getting too caught
in the chain.  My teammate got a flat, so that offered a second butt break
on the way back.  Lunch was chicken, pasta, salad, bread and brownies--what
more could a girl ask for?  Seconds?  JK.  Our O&M instructor gave us a big
hug when we got back--I credit her also with getting me up and moving out of
the house and onto bigger and better things.  It was nice because it was a
ride, not a race and our captains were pretty low-key guys.  One did comment
that "any time there are two or more bikes, it's a race" attributing this to
his competitive manly nature.  He noticed me pushing when he told me our
teammates were only 200 yards ahead, so goaded me on with this whenever
applicable!  I have a competitive streak myself!  We beat them back by a
minute or so.  It took a little over 2 hours subtracting the repair time and
rest stop break.  I would definitely love to do this again and hope to
recruit more blindies and pilots between now and next year for the ride.  I
see what you love about this sport!

P.S.  My teammate and I stayed on another 5 hours to meet people and help
clean up before getting our rides home.  Wouldn't you know it that I would
knock a stack of tables over on my shin/ankle while carrying pans of pasta
(sans cane) out to the parking lot?  I have a nice knot there which will
definitely outlast the effects of the ride.  Maybe I should quote Ms.
Morissette..."Isn't it ironic, don't you think?"

"I hurt myself today
To see if I still feel.
I focus on the pain
The only thing that's real
...
Beneath the stain of time
The feeling disappears
 You are someone else
I am still right here
What have I become,
My sweetest friend?
Everyone I know
Goes away in the end.
...
If I could start again
A million miles away
I would keep myself
I would find a way."
"Hurt" Nine Inch Nails