Tuesday, May 19, 2009

A Perfect Weekend

What a weekend!! We first took a trip to visit our son who is serving in the USMC. We took Friday off and headed up early to get as much time with him as possible. Like most kids our two sons dumped Scott and I to do their own thing by Saturday night. This was fine and I was glad the two of them were able to have some time together. I am a lucky mom to have the young men that actually like each other and look forward to hanging out together.


Monday was a bike event and so I was up early at 4AM. It is a struggle any other day to get up at 6:15am but on Monday I popped out of bed excited for the day. I arrived at the beginning of the event site with about 30 minutes to spare. Plenty of time. The field was large and after about 10 miles the riders seemed to fall into good pace groups as we made our way to the mountains.


There were a few opportunities during the ride that I became part of a pace line. Without even speaking we formed a single line of more than 15 riders and the rotations began. The silence of the pack working together was a beautiful thing to be a part of. One by one the front rider would take their turn for 1 to 2 miles. As my turn approached I became nervous and excited. Would I hold a good, even pace?... and with that thought there I was pulling a line of riders up and around turns. When my turn was up I pulled to the left side of the line and easily fell to the back of the line. Add in a few “good pace” and “good pull” comments and I was thrilled. I loved this!


As the end of my ride approached I wanted more…. miles…hills… it was just so enjoyable. The weather was cool and sometimes cold but the sun was out for the entire ride. Not a bad way to spend a Monday in my book. 73 miles and 1 cold beer would close out a great event.


Recovery ride on the schedule for tonight….

Robin

16 comments:

Stuart said...

Just saw the pics on FB looks like you had a blast! Great job on the ride... the trails say hi!

Runner Mom said...

I'm so proud of you!! Craig said you did a great job!! You rock, Mama!! I'll call you later!!

Hugs,
Susan

G-Man said...

I'm with Stuart - enjoyed the FB pics; looked like an enjoyable time. As for the ride, it's fun to watch someone go through the same emotions I went through 30 years ago when I first started riding bikes.

30 years later, I still can't find a feeling that matches flying down a descent full tilt...or climbing a seemingly insurmountable hill using only my own power...you have years of enjoyment ahead of you.

You and Scott ever want to try a tandem ride...our bike loves 'guest riders'...

Marlene said...

I love the concept of the pace line-ups. Congratulations! Sounds like you did great.

JD said...

Good Job Robin!! I had a great event, but I have to mow the lawn before I can write my blog about it! ;)

My knees are killing me today, so I'm postponing the recovery ride until tomorrow afternoon!

jd

Chris Barber, SeriousRunning.com said...

I thank your son for serving in these difficult times. A great American.

teacherwoman said...

Sounds like a perfect weekend! Love the pics! The ride sounds amazing!

Grey Beard said...

The Corps are getting the use of a fine gene pool - nice FB pics.

Isn't drafting a blast? It turns cycling into a quality team sport instantly.

Vincent said...

a good paceline can be so much fun

Mel-2nd Chances said...

Nice that you got to spend time with the boys, and sounds like you did a great job on the ride! Congrats :D

Shannon said...

It DOES sound like a great weekend. Your family is beautiful!

Unknown said...

That is awesome. What a great feeling that had to have been.

Anonymous said...

You are so strong ont he bike. Nice job. But, most impressive are your boys. Not all siblings actually like hanging out with each other. Sounds like you have great sons.

Wes said...

Pace leader! Woo hooo!!!!

ShirleyPerly said...

Yes, pace lines are a beautiful thing when everyone works together. Way to go, Robin!!

Caroline Novak said...

That's so cool, riding with, and leading the pack. I got nervous just reading about it!!!!