It’s called a Metric Century, we call it this years birthday ride. Distance: 62.5 miles, ride time 5 hrs. 19 minutes 12 seconds, average speed 11.7 mph.
I’m fairly certain that I will never shoot my age in Golf, swim the English Channel, or for that matter ride the Race Across America. However, since my 50th birthday my self-proclaimed yearly goal is to complete a bicycle ride, in one day, at least my age in miles, on or near my birthday. This year, August 16, 2018, this olé boy has completed 62 trips around the Sun on this home we call Earth. That’s really hard to believe.
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; first, to sustain a foundational fitness level as I get older.
Dr. Dennis Waitley reminds us that our bodies are, “Our transportation vehicle to the future.” Cycling provides an exercise regiment and long-range goals to keep me healthy and motivated. Two, it challenges me to live up to my time commitments in daily activities and relationships. Busy, irregular work schedules make it difficult sometimes almost impossible to maintain a fitness program. But come what may, I’m devoted to cycling. I’ve been a distance bicyclist since about 15 years old.
The fact is, it’s not the ride that’s difficult (provided you properly train). The real challenge is - to Do What You Say you will do.
It’s a disarming thought, always do what you say you’ll do—simple yet profound. 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 weeks work at Home Depot pounding the concrete, I’m tired and sore. (My Fitbit records an average of 5-7 miles per day). Sore shoulders, stiff neck, stiff back, sore hips, and I’m certain I could have fabricated a host of other excuses.
As Socrates said, “Know thyself.”
Well, my cycling legs feel 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.
“Happy Birthday Patrick. Start out easy, like to the mail box and back!"
“Go for it Patrick! Age is a number not a barrier . . . keep on keeping on.”
So, it’s Sunday morning, I’m up at 5:00 a.m. preparing for our ride; a good breakfast, a shower, stretching, check 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 all the way. She reminds me to eat something every hour, is our route planner, photographer, and cheerleader. With enthusiasm, she is up by six, has her coffee, breakfast, and is ready to hit the road by 7:00 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? We play golf, go hiking, and do all the training rides together.”
Of course, she insists on taking photos. Start time, rest breaks, food stops, and finishing times. This year finishing strong with a video of me huffing and puffing my way up the hill home.
Our last rest stop, lunch, the 55 mile mark, her comment to me was, “I get to stop in four miles - right? You ride home, get the truck, and come pick me up.”
“Just kidding, I just need to stretch my back, eat something, then I’ll be ready to go.” said Lori.
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.
The lesson learned - always Do What You Say. No matter how silly and insignificant what you declare may come across at the time, people do remember. And most of all, it is how you demonstrate dedication to yourself.
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