I went 15 miles on labor day and kayaked with Steve in the afternoon on the river. Double whammy fun and then a family dinner. Labor day was packed with FUN. that put me at 901 yahoo!
Which brings me to this last weekend.
Matt my son came home and we ended up going on the Hiawatha Trail with my sister Liz and her husband, Dennis his daughter Sasha and granddaughter Taylor , my sister's son Bryan and his wife Charlotte and the youngest member of our group Bry and Char's son Reese. It was glorious. The ride is really all about the scenic vistas that truly take your breathe away. It was my second time on the trail and the first time through the mile long long tunnel. It was Taylor's first long ride, Bryan, Charlotte, Reese, and Sasha had not been on this historic and breathe takingly beautiful trail. It boggles the mind when you think about cutting through these mountains on a bike and all the lives that were lost to create this railroad track and then the genius in reusing this unused rail bed as a bike trail. I wonder what some of these old timers in the pictures on the trail would think of it's current use? Today I feel blessed that we had this opportunity to ride through this mountain and see a world we might have never seen. Which brings me to two "old timers" with out which I would have not been able to ride. First Steve who put my tires on my old cross bike and got down and filled up Matt's tires. And of course Dennis who loaded up 6 bikes and organized this ride for our family. Lots of stress getting all the schedules worked out but I hope he feels loved and appreciated by all the family, It was his and Liz's dream to organize a ride on this trail. Who knows next time we might have the whole Mahar, McGaughy , Davis family.
Which brings me to today. I rode another 10 miles which puts me at 926. It is hard to do the big 20 miles rides these days. I average about 10- 12 miles an hour. I was thinking tonight of all the time I have spent on the trail. Roughly 92 hours since January. I started thinking about regrets. Mostly what I do not regret. This is my list:
I do not regret planting flowers the roses bloomed only once but they were lovely.
I do not regret any bike rides. All of that time made me feel full, of life, of hope.
I never regret any time I spend with people I love. No matter how busy I am those moments with family and friends are precious.
Was I being productive or useful or creating something while riding? I don't know but I know that I see the world differently and every time I ride alone or with people I breathe easier and a new layer has been added to my life.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Saturday, September 4, 2010
long time no see
So it looks like I have not been doing a very good job blogging. However I have some good excuses.
August is back to school time with classes and getting the library ready and I took a trip to Bellingham to celebrate my sister's 60th birthday and my niece's wedding shower.
So let's see I have had some fun rides since I last blogged. On the second to the last Saturday I went on the Fish Lake Trail with my sister Liz, my friends Carol and Bob and my friend Drew.
Carol and Bob were worried about their mountain bikes being too slow and they .... kicked mine and Drew's butts! That was 15 miles
Then I went on one last sort of sad ride on the last Wednesday of August on the trail. Yes I should have been at school but this was going to be the last time I could ride during the week and see all the "regulars"before going back to school.
This going back to school week was stressful and I did not get to ride until Friday and had two major crying jags. I REALLY NEED TO EXERCISE! So Friday in spite of wanting to go straight home and drink a glass of wine I got on my bike for a short 15 mile ride. Bringing my total last night to 860.
Today however Steve and I went on one of the most beautiful parts of the Trail of the CouerD'Alenes. We started at Rose Lake and went about 13 miles towards Harrison. The weather was lovely as we started early so the crazy wind that is currently raging had not started.
What I loved about this ride: It is flat and the scenery is lush and breath taking. It was a new part of the trail that I had not been on. We saw a moose and a bald eagle , and blue heron adding to my list of critters I have encountered while riding my bike.
That brings my total to 886 and I am definitely closing in on a thousand miles. Next week we might be going on the Hiawatha Trail and Matt will be here so it will be fun to ride with him.
August is back to school time with classes and getting the library ready and I took a trip to Bellingham to celebrate my sister's 60th birthday and my niece's wedding shower.
So let's see I have had some fun rides since I last blogged. On the second to the last Saturday I went on the Fish Lake Trail with my sister Liz, my friends Carol and Bob and my friend Drew.
Carol and Bob were worried about their mountain bikes being too slow and they .... kicked mine and Drew's butts! That was 15 miles
Then I went on one last sort of sad ride on the last Wednesday of August on the trail. Yes I should have been at school but this was going to be the last time I could ride during the week and see all the "regulars"before going back to school.
This going back to school week was stressful and I did not get to ride until Friday and had two major crying jags. I REALLY NEED TO EXERCISE! So Friday in spite of wanting to go straight home and drink a glass of wine I got on my bike for a short 15 mile ride. Bringing my total last night to 860.
Today however Steve and I went on one of the most beautiful parts of the Trail of the CouerD'Alenes. We started at Rose Lake and went about 13 miles towards Harrison. The weather was lovely as we started early so the crazy wind that is currently raging had not started.
What I loved about this ride: It is flat and the scenery is lush and breath taking. It was a new part of the trail that I had not been on. We saw a moose and a bald eagle , and blue heron adding to my list of critters I have encountered while riding my bike.
That brings my total to 886 and I am definitely closing in on a thousand miles. Next week we might be going on the Hiawatha Trail and Matt will be here so it will be fun to ride with him.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
810...
Today I crossed over the 800 mark so yea!
Started out a little late today on account of a new software program that I downloaded yesterday so I got sidetracked.
It was overcast so I thought it wont be hot as blue blazes however clouds can be deceiving.
Hmm well maybe I'll just do a little 10 mile ride today. Then I got to cruising along and I saw the man with the the name tag, friendly lady with the aging wiener dog and the cute couple who walk every day and of course assorted speedy bikers in spandex. and the next thing you know I was at Argonne trail head for a potty break.
The hot sun makes the pine trees smell lovely. The katydids are singing their last song of summer and I got to thinking about the spandex crowd. I admit I am jealous of their skinny toned bodies and even their speed. Do I want to be that skinny and fast some day?Yea I want I want to be that skinny and fast !
But for now I am glad that I have had the chance to ride along the river and experience the transformation that the seasons have created along the trail. Most of the people on the trail are happy to be there and their friendly ways make me feel glad to be alive. Even the ones that are obnoxious like the spandex crowd and the ones that just can't wrap their head around the whole notion of share the trail or stay to the right I enjoy. It's like life really. A mixed bag the teaches us patience and forces us to laugh at the oddities of humanity.
190 miles to go. I hope that I make a 1000 by the start of school that would be just too cool however I don't know if I will make it due to getting ready for school and a visit to Bellingham next week.
Started out a little late today on account of a new software program that I downloaded yesterday so I got sidetracked.
It was overcast so I thought it wont be hot as blue blazes however clouds can be deceiving.
Hmm well maybe I'll just do a little 10 mile ride today. Then I got to cruising along and I saw the man with the the name tag, friendly lady with the aging wiener dog and the cute couple who walk every day and of course assorted speedy bikers in spandex. and the next thing you know I was at Argonne trail head for a potty break.
The hot sun makes the pine trees smell lovely. The katydids are singing their last song of summer and I got to thinking about the spandex crowd. I admit I am jealous of their skinny toned bodies and even their speed. Do I want to be that skinny and fast some day?Yea I want I want to be that skinny and fast !
But for now I am glad that I have had the chance to ride along the river and experience the transformation that the seasons have created along the trail. Most of the people on the trail are happy to be there and their friendly ways make me feel glad to be alive. Even the ones that are obnoxious like the spandex crowd and the ones that just can't wrap their head around the whole notion of share the trail or stay to the right I enjoy. It's like life really. A mixed bag the teaches us patience and forces us to laugh at the oddities of humanity.
190 miles to go. I hope that I make a 1000 by the start of school that would be just too cool however I don't know if I will make it due to getting ready for school and a visit to Bellingham next week.
what love is?
Today is Sunday and church day . I called my sister on the way to the trail and she wondered if I was going to church and I had to say no. While I felt bad I think the experience on the trail was spiritual in nature. While riding I got to thinking about what love is. This is what I discovered on the trail today.
I ran into Ken and Randy who are friends. We cross country ski together. They had already gone a bazillion miles. We chatted for awhile and went on our separate ways. I am way too slow and don't ride as many miles as those boys do to ride with them. It was fun chatting with them anyways. Friendship is a kind of love.
As I got closer to Mirabeau Park I looked for this elderly couple. They are there almost every day.She has obviously had a stroke of some kind. She and I assume her husband walk along together. I have seen him drop something and have her pick it up. I am thinking this is part of her physical rehab. They could just stay home in their recliners and yet they are out here pushing back the effects of age and physical pain. Their commitment to each other and life is love.
When I got to the parking lot at Mirabeau I saw I'm thinking a young dad and three kids with backpacks heading down a trail to the river. Taking time to show your kids the beauty of the river and just hanging with them is love.
I pass a young women who is guiding another elderly women who again show signs of some kind of physical aliment. On the way back I hear her encouraging this person and that it is love.
At the second parking lot by Mirabeau I see signs and blue star balloons and a "start" sign. I groan a little and then I realize it is a walk in support of Wishing Star. It is due to start soon. One hundred walkers who could be at the lake or home reading the Sunday paper but they are here in support of a wonderful organization that changes lives and that is love.
Across the river I can hear a cheering crowd. It is a soccer tournament and those shouts are from family and friends of those kids. Again people who made the choice to come encourage their kids instead of some other activity that might be more appealing than a long soccer game in the hot sun and that is love.
There was a high school band playing at the river by Plants Ferry park and who knows what that was about but it added to that whole feeling that life is meant to be shared and celebrated.
On my way back from the Argonne trail head I am heading up a steep hill ( at least for me it is) As I get just pass the top a man comes by on his bike and says "good job" and smiles. Did he see me struggle up the hill ? I don't know but he did not have to say a thing and the fact that someone took the time to encourage a stranger is an act of love.
I have talked about all the wonderful nature that I have so enjoyed encountering on the trail but today it was all about humanity and hope and love. In the days ahead I will encounter people who make me cranky and frustrate me. In the back of my head I want to remember this Sunday ride and how hopeful it made me feel.
I ran into Ken and Randy who are friends. We cross country ski together. They had already gone a bazillion miles. We chatted for awhile and went on our separate ways. I am way too slow and don't ride as many miles as those boys do to ride with them. It was fun chatting with them anyways. Friendship is a kind of love.
As I got closer to Mirabeau Park I looked for this elderly couple. They are there almost every day.She has obviously had a stroke of some kind. She and I assume her husband walk along together. I have seen him drop something and have her pick it up. I am thinking this is part of her physical rehab. They could just stay home in their recliners and yet they are out here pushing back the effects of age and physical pain. Their commitment to each other and life is love.
When I got to the parking lot at Mirabeau I saw I'm thinking a young dad and three kids with backpacks heading down a trail to the river. Taking time to show your kids the beauty of the river and just hanging with them is love.
I pass a young women who is guiding another elderly women who again show signs of some kind of physical aliment. On the way back I hear her encouraging this person and that it is love.
At the second parking lot by Mirabeau I see signs and blue star balloons and a "start" sign. I groan a little and then I realize it is a walk in support of Wishing Star. It is due to start soon. One hundred walkers who could be at the lake or home reading the Sunday paper but they are here in support of a wonderful organization that changes lives and that is love.
Across the river I can hear a cheering crowd. It is a soccer tournament and those shouts are from family and friends of those kids. Again people who made the choice to come encourage their kids instead of some other activity that might be more appealing than a long soccer game in the hot sun and that is love.
There was a high school band playing at the river by Plants Ferry park and who knows what that was about but it added to that whole feeling that life is meant to be shared and celebrated.
On my way back from the Argonne trail head I am heading up a steep hill ( at least for me it is) As I get just pass the top a man comes by on his bike and says "good job" and smiles. Did he see me struggle up the hill ? I don't know but he did not have to say a thing and the fact that someone took the time to encourage a stranger is an act of love.
I have talked about all the wonderful nature that I have so enjoyed encountering on the trail but today it was all about humanity and hope and love. In the days ahead I will encounter people who make me cranky and frustrate me. In the back of my head I want to remember this Sunday ride and how hopeful it made me feel.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Eight Lakes Leg Aches Ride
So yesterday was the 8 lakes Leg Aches ride. A little history three years ago Steve and I were helpers as in not riders. This ride supports one of my favorite non profits Lutheran Social Services Northwest. An organization making a huge difference in Spokane and the Inland Northwest. Last year I rode the 30 miles section and it was super fun. But I was only riding about 10 mile rides at that point in my bike riding life. So needless to say my legs and other parts hurt ....a lot.
This year I have been riding a little more and I was not nearly as fatigued or sore as last year. I made it up most hills but did walk it up a few. My Granny gear is stupid and not effective at all. The fact is that I am 100 pounds over weight and that makes hills icky for me. Next year however I expect to be roaring up those hills. Last year Matt my son rode with me and that was super fun. This year my awesome sister was back riding and that was just too amazing for words. Steve my man rode with me to make sure I was safe and sound. Thanks honey!
My new seat is super sweet and again a big shout out to Steve 's bike shop on Cannon street in Brown's Addition. You rock!
720 miles yes
This year I have been riding a little more and I was not nearly as fatigued or sore as last year. I made it up most hills but did walk it up a few. My Granny gear is stupid and not effective at all. The fact is that I am 100 pounds over weight and that makes hills icky for me. Next year however I expect to be roaring up those hills. Last year Matt my son rode with me and that was super fun. This year my awesome sister was back riding and that was just too amazing for words. Steve my man rode with me to make sure I was safe and sound. Thanks honey!
My new seat is super sweet and again a big shout out to Steve 's bike shop on Cannon street in Brown's Addition. You rock!
720 miles yes
Monday, August 2, 2010
680 woo hoo
Monday morning and I am on my bike. I had to ride from my house as my 4 wheeled transportation is having a few issues. The ride was uneventful although when I stopped half way I answered my phone and chatted it up. Do not answer phone on trail unless it seems like an emergency.
OK that said my plan to ride every day this week has been forestalled as I have to have a colonoscopy Thursday. Apparently this is a two day event thus I will not be riding until Friday. Then the 8 Lakes ride is Saturday.
OK that said my plan to ride every day this week has been forestalled as I have to have a colonoscopy Thursday. Apparently this is a two day event thus I will not be riding until Friday. Then the 8 Lakes ride is Saturday.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
660 which is not 700
So I have been a little slow getting back in the saddle some of it weather related and some life related! Tuesday I did a twenty mile ride and saw a coyote on the trail. We did this funny who are you back and forth and finally I took his picture. What a fun way to end that ride.
Wednesday I went on a ride with my friend Sue on the Fish Lake trail 10 miles.
Thursday was my physical and my new Doctor wants me to get fitted on my bike and bring the handle bars up. My problem is I do not want to have my bike back in the shop,that week off was costly.
This week I am going to ride each day. I really need to do some hill work as 8 Lakes leg aches is next week and I know there are some killer hills. yish
So today Steve and I went on the trail and it was nice and we added another 20 miles.
oh and I am old. I have to do stretches now before and after each ride so My head and neck do not spaz out.
Wednesday I went on a ride with my friend Sue on the Fish Lake trail 10 miles.
Thursday was my physical and my new Doctor wants me to get fitted on my bike and bring the handle bars up. My problem is I do not want to have my bike back in the shop,that week off was costly.
This week I am going to ride each day. I really need to do some hill work as 8 Lakes leg aches is next week and I know there are some killer hills. yish
So today Steve and I went on the trail and it was nice and we added another 20 miles.
oh and I am old. I have to do stretches now before and after each ride so My head and neck do not spaz out.
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