It has been five weeks and I surprise myself that I keep up the three times a week routine. Wake up at 5AM, ride to work 9 miles, ride home 11 miles and then to sleep early with a belly full of strawberry milk.
In July, I attended a bicycle safety class. After nine years of riding I felt like I needed to be more comfortable and confident on the road even when my commuting friends were unable to ride. Now, it’s so natural to commute and has become second nature.
Mondays, I drive in and leave my clothes and food for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Friday, I drive back in and take home my things. My helmet, gloves, and sunglasses are piled in my back seat. Cycling shorts and bike jersey fill my closet. Tan lines expose my favorite hobby, but I would not have it any other way.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
On-line Dating, Part II
It has been four months and the on-line dating account is still active. Needless to say, the experience has been not so harmonious. I have definitely had flops and my share of mistakes. To include not taking the time to type a decent e-mail response and getting two guys confused.
The most difficult task for me has been to filter out people I would start communicating with and those that I choose to archive and close. I have been matched up with approximately 300 available bachelors from Texas to Oklahoma and Louisiana.
At first, I went with the shot gun approach. I went out with anyone and everyone that asked and went anywhere from coffee to fine dining. By doing this, I have definitely learned what I do not like and definitely need.
My advice to anyone starting an on-line dating profile is to be honest. Post recent pictures and be true to your height. For example, if you are bald do not post only pictures wearing a hat. And really, I don’t care about how big that fish was you caught on your last fishing trip and it makes no different to me about how many points your last hunting trip brought you. Group pictures aren’t a good display either because there is no way to know which person you are, and pictures with other ladies are not a good idea because of the obvious- you are looking for a new one.
Chemistry, magic, and love are not factored into the picture until you meet in person. For me, I know right away if I like you. My account will expire at the end of this month and I may still be looking for Mr. Right. Overall, I have learned to be open minded and always be willing to meet someone new. I have learned to stay true to me and above all to never give up on love.
The most difficult task for me has been to filter out people I would start communicating with and those that I choose to archive and close. I have been matched up with approximately 300 available bachelors from Texas to Oklahoma and Louisiana.
At first, I went with the shot gun approach. I went out with anyone and everyone that asked and went anywhere from coffee to fine dining. By doing this, I have definitely learned what I do not like and definitely need.
My advice to anyone starting an on-line dating profile is to be honest. Post recent pictures and be true to your height. For example, if you are bald do not post only pictures wearing a hat. And really, I don’t care about how big that fish was you caught on your last fishing trip and it makes no different to me about how many points your last hunting trip brought you. Group pictures aren’t a good display either because there is no way to know which person you are, and pictures with other ladies are not a good idea because of the obvious- you are looking for a new one.
Chemistry, magic, and love are not factored into the picture until you meet in person. For me, I know right away if I like you. My account will expire at the end of this month and I may still be looking for Mr. Right. Overall, I have learned to be open minded and always be willing to meet someone new. I have learned to stay true to me and above all to never give up on love.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Thoughts on XC
As I prepared for the completion of riding my bike across America, I expected an enlightening moment or great epiphany. I reflect back over the past three years and I have discovered the same Barbie, the same person, only with a new perspective on life.
In 2009, I rode the Mojave Desert and into Mingus Mountain. I recall feeling my first experience of extreme exhaustion and feeling doubtful on my ability to continue. It was during the 900 miles over 12 day tour that I looked into my soul and let myself heal.
The day is crystal clear in my mind. I was sitting with two friends and it occurred to me that I was hurt from my divorce. I sat and cried not expecting or even knowing that the pain existed. That year, I left my pain and hurt on the road and received much needed healing.
Last year in 2010, I rode 1400 miles over 21 days and I returned to self. All the clouds of doubt were lifted and I realized that I did not need a fan club or a cheerleader to get me through the hard times. Everything that I wanted to accomplish was inside me. It was my determination, my dream, and a desire inside my heart that would get me through.
This year, I rode 18 days and 1200 miles, enough time to ponder life’s ups and downs. As in life, you ride the road that is ahead of you. If the road stops, you figure out a way to go through it, across it, or over it. If you have a bad weather, be it wind, rain, or cold, you dress appropriately and roll forward. It really is that simple.
Cross country will be in and on my heart forever.
In 2009, I rode the Mojave Desert and into Mingus Mountain. I recall feeling my first experience of extreme exhaustion and feeling doubtful on my ability to continue. It was during the 900 miles over 12 day tour that I looked into my soul and let myself heal.
The day is crystal clear in my mind. I was sitting with two friends and it occurred to me that I was hurt from my divorce. I sat and cried not expecting or even knowing that the pain existed. That year, I left my pain and hurt on the road and received much needed healing.
Last year in 2010, I rode 1400 miles over 21 days and I returned to self. All the clouds of doubt were lifted and I realized that I did not need a fan club or a cheerleader to get me through the hard times. Everything that I wanted to accomplish was inside me. It was my determination, my dream, and a desire inside my heart that would get me through.
This year, I rode 18 days and 1200 miles, enough time to ponder life’s ups and downs. As in life, you ride the road that is ahead of you. If the road stops, you figure out a way to go through it, across it, or over it. If you have a bad weather, be it wind, rain, or cold, you dress appropriately and roll forward. It really is that simple.
Cross country will be in and on my heart forever.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Harry
This entry is for Hottie. It is special for him because it wasn’t until the day after the ride, that I realized how amazing he is.
Sometime between last year’s ride and this year’s ride, he found out that most of my riding time in 2010 was alone. Hottie had already completed the ride across America in 2009 and came back to ride with me in 2011 for the sole purpose of riding with me.
He flew from Liverpool to Champagne, rode with me 1200 miles, flew back home, and then in eight days, will fly back to California to ride the Death Ride for the second time. (Death Ride = 129 miles, 15,000 feet elevation, over 5 mountain peaks.)
He could have chosen to ride at a faster pace. He could have chosen to be the first person in each day but, he chose to ride with the turtle and be the last one in each day. When we were out on the road he slowed down and was never more than a foot away from me.
Sure, he might have stayed close to me because I had a cue sheet but he also could have ridden with the front of the group to get the same directions. I wasn’t always the best navigator and we were lost twice. My temper was short and it is now that I look back and regret that I gave him the silent treatment.
The day would start with a wakeup call. We would be on the road all day and then share our meal times together. After that, we would do laundry or hang out.
I didn’t always understand what he was saying. Would we go back and forth with, “what did you say” and “I don’t understand”, and “say it one more time”. I could figure out what he was saying when he was looking straight at me, but because of the bikes, that didn’t happen too often. He doesn’t show too much emotion and would walk away from my tears but that never meant that he didn’t care.
The night of the banquet, we sat by the lobby fireplace and shared some stories. He told me about how he values his family business and how he would take the shirt off his back to help his friends. It took me 18 days to figure out what a giving and caring person Hottie is and that he was doing what he does best- helping out a friend.
Sometime between last year’s ride and this year’s ride, he found out that most of my riding time in 2010 was alone. Hottie had already completed the ride across America in 2009 and came back to ride with me in 2011 for the sole purpose of riding with me.
He flew from Liverpool to Champagne, rode with me 1200 miles, flew back home, and then in eight days, will fly back to California to ride the Death Ride for the second time. (Death Ride = 129 miles, 15,000 feet elevation, over 5 mountain peaks.)
He could have chosen to ride at a faster pace. He could have chosen to be the first person in each day but, he chose to ride with the turtle and be the last one in each day. When we were out on the road he slowed down and was never more than a foot away from me.
Sure, he might have stayed close to me because I had a cue sheet but he also could have ridden with the front of the group to get the same directions. I wasn’t always the best navigator and we were lost twice. My temper was short and it is now that I look back and regret that I gave him the silent treatment.
The day would start with a wakeup call. We would be on the road all day and then share our meal times together. After that, we would do laundry or hang out.
I didn’t always understand what he was saying. Would we go back and forth with, “what did you say” and “I don’t understand”, and “say it one more time”. I could figure out what he was saying when he was looking straight at me, but because of the bikes, that didn’t happen too often. He doesn’t show too much emotion and would walk away from my tears but that never meant that he didn’t care.
The night of the banquet, we sat by the lobby fireplace and shared some stories. He told me about how he values his family business and how he would take the shirt off his back to help his friends. It took me 18 days to figure out what a giving and caring person Hottie is and that he was doing what he does best- helping out a friend.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
CR Friends
CrossRoad friends are lifers. These are the kind of friends that once you meet you will remain friends forever. There is a bond that unites us and keeps us glued together with each pedal and every mile.
It has been said that two hundred people a year attempt to ride their bike across America, supported and unsupported. We are a small number but our determination and will power is enormous.
Our stories are all different. We come from different parts of the world, from different cultures, and varied ages. We are untied because we have the same dream and desire- to ride a bike across America.
CrossRoads 2009:
Standing on the beach in May 2009, I did not know I would be so close to these people standing with me. My XC09 family is dear to my heart because I started this journey with them. It still surprises me the support I receive from them, even to this day.
CrossRoads 2010:
Although I am not in this picture, I feel so much a part of this group. This was the longest tour of 21 days and close to 1400 miles.
CrossRoads 2011:
These riders welcomed me as a rider from Champaign to Boston. This group is outgoing and lively and I felt right at home from day one.
With every mile we return to self and turn into kids again. We play out on the roads riding our bikes. We share stories, laughter and tears. It is never good bye but only I will see you again, soon.
It has been said that two hundred people a year attempt to ride their bike across America, supported and unsupported. We are a small number but our determination and will power is enormous.
Our stories are all different. We come from different parts of the world, from different cultures, and varied ages. We are untied because we have the same dream and desire- to ride a bike across America.
CrossRoads 2009:
Standing on the beach in May 2009, I did not know I would be so close to these people standing with me. My XC09 family is dear to my heart because I started this journey with them. It still surprises me the support I receive from them, even to this day.
CrossRoads 2010:
Although I am not in this picture, I feel so much a part of this group. This was the longest tour of 21 days and close to 1400 miles.
CrossRoads 2011:
These riders welcomed me as a rider from Champaign to Boston. This group is outgoing and lively and I felt right at home from day one.
With every mile we return to self and turn into kids again. We play out on the roads riding our bikes. We share stories, laughter and tears. It is never good bye but only I will see you again, soon.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
My Family
My family makes me, me. They are how I am and what I am about. I cherish each of them and feel so blessed that they would welcome me into Boston. It was a cold and rainy day and yet they stood there with open arms to welcome me. My father was the first one I hugged. It’s a time I will never forget. Its been fun reuniting with them and spending time with them. These pictures capture my family with their "Barbie and her bike... to Boston" t-shirts.
Lydia (Dad's girlfriend) and Popo.
My 86 year old maternal grandfather.
Wendy, Michael's girlfriend.
Lydia (Dad's girlfriend) and Popo.
My 86 year old maternal grandfather.
Wendy, Michael's girlfriend.
DAY 18: Sat June 25
We made it to Boston! It’s a departure day and the tour has officially ended. Since my family is here we will spend and extra day exploring downtown Boston and return to San Antonio on Sunday.
There are no miles to report, no time on bike, or even calories burned. I have to remember to pay for my meals and not walk out of a restaurant without paying. Breakfast was lonely this morning without the CR group to talk about the cycling day. I have to return to normal life and leave tour life as a wonderful memory.
Tour life is so different from real life. The only responsibility is getting on your bike and riding to the next hotel. Once you get to the hotel, its laundry, eat, and rest. That’s it. I know I will have trouble riding and driving in a car again. I get overwhelmed with wardrobe decisions when I have the option of more than three t-shirts and more than two pair of shorts. Not to mention on tour, I have only my cycling cleats and sandals. At home there are too many choices. Tour life makes things simple and easy.
Every morning, I call Hottie for his wake up call. Today, was the last morning I called him and I realized how much I am going to miss him. He has been my company for 1200 miles and distracted me when I did not want to ride. He is a true CrossRoads companion that will never let me ride alone.
There is still more to blog. But, for now…
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