My friend posted on her blog a story that bought tears to my eyes. Not because it was sad, but because of the fond memories of a long time ago. While we were chatting about her blog, she thought it would be interesting to hear the other perspective of her story. So here I am, blogging my view of "A Long and Winding Road."
On July 26th, 2009 I was training for my first Half Ironman. A friend and I meet a local tri group to head out for my second LONG ride and my very first big group ride. I was a bit nervous and I knew what 60 miles looked like.
Even though it was still dark, we prepared for the ride. We filled our tires with air, packed our bikes with food, and made sure our water bottles contained Cytomax. When the group leaders called out for our attention, we headed to the middle of the road to listen to the announcements. Of course, I couldn't hear a thing as there were so many people riding that day. It almost looked like a race. 7:10 am off we went to begin the first half of the ride; 33 miles to Robert's Is Here!
It was an uneventful ride to Robert's. The group was personable, the speed was amicable, and the weather was cooperating. On the way back, however, all hell broke loose. The group split; the speedy Gonzalez's and the rest of us. The weather got hot. And I was beginning to feel the miles.
My friend, a seasoned triathlete, rode with me for awhile, making sure I was able to keep up. But once we hit 87th and Old Cutler Road, she took off to put in her work. All was well! I was well hydrated, well nourished, well prepared. I was feeling wonderful.
By now, my group was on 57th Ave headed toward 88th Street. Just a few short miles, and I'll have this puppy done! Life is GREAT!
I was at the front of the pack, the group was pedaling fast. I was hearing all the call outs. I was in the groove! Then all of a sudden I hear BANG! BOOM! POW! It's a crash behind me! I immediately slowed down, pulled over, and waited to see what had happened. I saw a huge pill up just a few hundred feet behind me. I get back on the bike and head over to see if there is something I can do.
It was quite chaotic at first. All these men were talking at the same time, surrounding this one girl, asking if she was ok. Everyone was scrambling. One group was with the bike, looking it over. Another with the girl, checking her out. Yet a third, directing traffic. All seemed well till the president of the club saw the rider had a flat.
Everyone immediately pulled out their tools, spare tires, and began to help. I remember the rider being so embarrassed about the whole thing. She kept saying..."I saw the first set but didn't see the second." Within minutes, the guys had the flat fixed and the rider back on her bike.
As we pedaled away, I saw my friend. She told me she
came back to look for me because she thought something had happened to me. I explained I was alright but this girl behind me had crashed into the poles. So I stopped to see if there was something I could do.
All was well and we kept riding. Soon, the president of the club passed us both. I asked her if the girl was ok and she replied. Yep, she's fine. Just going to take it easy back to the car. Well, something inside me told me she wasn't okay. I kept looking back for her. When I noticed she had dropped out of sight I told my friend to head back without me. I was going to check up on the girl. She asked me why and I replied...cause something tells me she's not ok.
So we headed back till we found her peddling all by herself. We immediately asked her if she was fine and she insisted she was. I didn't agree. I asked her when was the last time she had a GU? She replied: "What's that?" I immediately handed her one and told her to eat. I then handed her a few more to put in her pocket.
As we continued to head home I realized she didn't know where she was so I told her to follow us back. I promised we wouldn't drop her and get her back to the car safe and sound.
66 mile later, I completed my first big group ride, had a better understanding of my internal strength, and best of all made a new friend. Today I am proud to call her my sister!
Thank you Danielle and Grandma Lynne for opening your hearts to me and my family!
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