What I learned on my summer vacation...

on the backside of Emerald Bay

Another Tahoe ride has come and gone. And doing it for the second time, I found there were still lessons to be learned. Here are my top 10.

1) Cold rain in your face with a dash of grit can be just like an expensive facial.

2) Even on a bike your feet can get really wet (ie: I could pour water out of my shoes).

3) There is no substitute for sheer determination.

4) When your arse is wet from the spray and the bike seat and you use one of those paper liners on the toilet seat, it will stick all over you and it takes a few minutes to get all the little pieces off your behind. Best to just squat.

5) Stay out of the 'rooster tail' as much as possible.


6) Lucy Duffy, age 78, who began running marathons to raise money for the Leukemia Society to honor her  husband who passed away from leukemia,  and was our inspirational speaker on Friday night, said it best..."finishing is winning".  Thank you Lucy Duffy. (yes, at age 78 she completed the 100 miles)

7) After slowly making it up one of the hills on the way to the lunch stop, I rode by a cheer group. The young man on the end shouted at me, "You are doing this for ME!". God puts the people you really need, in the places you really need them.

8) People are basically good, generous caring beings. I have always believed this and I still believe it no matter what. If I am wearing rose colored glasses, then so be it. I am keeping them on. The CT Chapter of Team in Training raised over $120,000. Nationally the Tahoe event raised 6.8 million!

9) There is a "Whole lotta love" at these events.

10)  Heroes
      a) My heart welled up when I saw on our inspiration dinner table, a letter from Dominique Soucy, with a photo of her and I at the Rockcats game. Her letter summed up what it was like for her to go through being diagnosed with CML at the age of 23, and how she is finding ways to give back now that she is in remission. Christopher Reeve said "a hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles."  Dominique, you are the definition of a hero.
      b)  The same goes when I saw Tom Kelley's picture in the opening slide show. Tom, you are my hero as well. The same Christopher Reeve quote applies to you.

      c) Art, you know how much I respect you, and I just love the way you 'show up' on your blue bike, to let me draft off of you, when I need that the most. I am so happy you kicked cancer in the behind and it is an honor to ride with (well, mostly behind) you.  The same Christopher Reeve quote applies to you as well.

Emerald Bay and Lake Tahoe beyond

My thanks to all, especially Coaches Dave and Henry, Jen, Billy, Dominique, Art, Coach Jim, and the entire Tahoe Team!  A special thanks to Deb.... hahahaha "the blessed hills, the blessed rain etc. etc. etc.

And to Jens Voight : Shut up legs!