October is the time when my birthday arrives, and I got myself an early present: I met my (original) bicycling mileage goal for the year! Actually, it was 2,600, for 50 miles per week, so I could cut my riding time in half and devote those hours to writing this blog and the book that is in progress. As for the rather long and unwieldy title, it got longer when the Clash song came to mind (Annie Lennox version). Alliteration appeals, apparently. Despite a decent bit of discomfort and alot of precipitation, the work paid off. I did the Mamma Jamma breast cancer ride, which was rewarding, and that might not have been possible without doing putting in more time. So it’s been a good month, and year so far. I delve a little into the statistics for those into such things. That’s you!
struggle
I Raised $1,364 in Two Days for the Mamma Jamma, and I Haven’t Even Biked 65 Miles in the Rain and Wind Yet!
Well, apparently the hordes have spoken, and there is support for me to ride this event, and then some! It will be my third Mamma Jamma Ride. n fact, two generous souls even put in for the whole minimum amount of $300. It’s all for a good cause, to help women in my area (Central Texas, USA), survive and thrive after a diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer. I’ve also raised $100 for my registration and bike(s) repair and had help from friends and two bike shops. I say bikes, because I don’t even know which one I’ll ride yet! So there’s lots to do and not much time, but below are a few more details of what it’s like doing a charity ride. And a way for you to donate if you can.
Give here: https://Fundraisers.MammaJammaRide.org/ADude-Abikes
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Eight Days a Week… Off the Bicycle: Viewing Setbacks Through a Buddhist Lens
It’s been eight days since I’ve ridden a bicycle. Why? Heat. Illness. Lastimas. Life. (Lastimas is wounds or injuries in Spanish. So that spells H.I.L.L, doesn’t it? I meant to.) When thought of in this way, it’s another set of obstacles, another rise in the road to climb, something that tests you but also makes you stronger. Part of me is relieved, and lucky to have use of a car. Another part of me is pissed off that I’m losing whatever fitness and form I had. Another is panicking that I may not get it back, or get back to it, or even be able bike at all without more injury or at least pain. Breathing in deeply, I notice I am not riding my bicycle. Breathing out, I notice that I am writing a blog post about not riding my bicycle. Continue reading
How It’s Going So Far in 2018 with the Biking, Blogging, Walking and Eating
So Far, So Good, But a Long Way to Go
After a number of posts heavy with images, information and links, I think I’ll just write about how I’m doing with everything. But first, a picture of a Buddha from Aveda Institute. I got my second ever face treatment for only $21 for an hour. Self-care is allowed whether you’re a cyclist like me or unable to do much if any physical exercise at all due to a chronic situation. The massage and various products did make it feel better. Whether it looks better is a matter of opinion. Continue reading
A Dude Abikes 