What Did You Say?

Finishing Strong

“Tomorrow my plan is to bike ride at least 60 miles, we’ll see how it goes.”

“What did you say?” asked Lori. “I thought we were riding 58 miles?”

Since my 50th birthday my self-proclaimed yearly goal is to complete a bicycle ride, in one day, at least my age, on or near my birthday. On August 17, 2014 Lori and I completed this years ride; a total of 63.5 miles in 5 hours and 17 minutes. A metric century!

With the advent of Facebook, Twitter, and other social media outlets I’ve been able to shout from the mountaintop my proposed goal to all who will listen. Even to those who could care less. This serves two purposes, to sustain a foundational fitness level as I get older. Cycling provides a exercise regiment and long-range goals to keep me motivated. Two, it challenges me to live up to my time commitments in daily activities and relationships. Yes, I truly love cycling. I’ve been a devoted bicyclist since about 15 years old.

The fact is, it’s not the ride that’s difficult. The challenge is - to do what you say you will do.

It’s a disarming thought, always do what you say you’ll do—simple but not painless. Show the world your commitment to integrity. More importantly, it is how you demonstrate dedication to yourself, your family, friends, and your community.

Believe me, after a full round of golf on Saturday, I struggled just to get out of bed that next day. Sore shoulders, stiff neck, stiff back, and I’m certain I could have fabricated a host of other excuses. 

As Socrates said, “Know thyself.”

Well, my legs felt fine. Those other aches and pains, nothing a couple of Advil can’t handle.

Surprisingly, I began to realize just how much everyone listened to my birthday proclamation. Friends and family began sending me messages on Facebook, texts, and phone calls.

“Happy Birthday Patrick! Are you going to ride your age???” from a fellow rider and close friend.

Saturday, 2:26 p.m. a text from my mother-in-law, “Are you through with your bike ride?”

From my brother, “Happy birthday Pat, big 60 gonna be a long ride.”

And a phone call from my mother, “Aren't you tired? You'll cycle your legs off."

“Mom, the ride is tomorrow. There’s a lot less traffic on Sunday’s.”

So, the next morning I’m up at 5:00 a.m. preparing for our ride; checked the air in the tires, clean the chain, and inspect the gears. Now, what most people don’t realize is my best friend and wife, Lori, is right beside me.

With enthusiasm, she is up by six, has her coffee, prepares breakfast, and is ready to hit the road by 7:30 a.m.

As we roll away from the house she says, “I must be a crazy wife to participate in a stunt like this.”

“What do you mean?” I said, we play golf and do all the training rides together.”

Of course, she insists on taking photos and posting our progress on Facebook throughout the entire ride. Start time, rest breaks, food stops, and finishing times. 

Stretching

At our last rest stop, the 55 mile mark, her comment to me was, “I get to stop now - right? You ride home, get the truck, and come pick me up.” 

“What did you say?”

“Just kidding, I just need to stretch my back then I’ll be ready to go.” said Lori.

With the commitment of a trooper she rode ahead to take the attached photo titled, Finishing Strong. If you look carefully you will see our lunch attached to my handlebars.

Well, the next few days we will both take some well deserved time-off. Next weekend we will start preparing for next year’s ride.

“What did you say?”

The lesson learned is to always do what you say. No matter how silly and insignificant what you declare may come across at the time, people do remember.

“I call it selective absorption.”