Sunday, March 25, 2007

Ramona A. Warren Memorial/E. coli Ride

I know the title is a bit odd, but allow me to explain. On Friday night I rented a van and took me and my new bike down to Hollister, my hometown. I woke early on Saturday, ate some eggs and toast in my childhood kitchen, tightened a few bolts and headed out on my first bike ride in months. A 42-mile loop via Quein Sabe Road and Hollister Hills.

But this wouldn't be just another ALC training ride in the line of the hundreds I've done in the last three years, no sir. That morning my Dad would explain to me exactly where my Mom was born, we determined it was just beyond DeRose and Pietra Santa Wineries in a small shack they may still be there. Toward the later part of our ride the winery would in fact be a re-group stop for us. We met at my old high school, just yards away from where I ran track and watched so many Haybaler football games. The riders had come from Santa Cruz, San Jose, San Francisco and even Fresno. Most of them would be visiting and riding in San Benito County for the first time. The air was cool and we did our routine stretching, read the rules of the road and went over the route just like any other ride.

But this wasn't just another ride for me. I've been sick, without a bike and without transportation just to get to the big "H". The odds were against me. Determined, I bought a new bike just the day before, began to feel better almost immediately, cleared my calendar and rented a car just in time. When the Training Ride Leaders were introduced and just before we left I paused and told the following story to the group:

'I created this ride on the ALC calendar a year ago with David G. taking over as the point person. He is doing a terrific job beyond me (creating 3 annual rides in '07 - with this being the first). This is my hometown and my Dad and eldest brother live just blocks away. We will be traveling right by where my mother was born, she died last year and this is be my first ride here since she passed and I am riding in her honor (I have a photo of her attached to my bike). For me, this would be anything but routine. I really appreciate everyone coming down and I know you're going to love this ride. I can almost gaurantee you'll see more animals and nearly as many wineries (slight exageration) as you would in Napa.'

One person asked for my Mom's name, and I proudly said, 'Ramona, thanks for asking.'' Later , another rider, struggling up the rolling Hollister Hills told me she was inspired by my mom and it helped her to continue on. Later she would hug me as did others.

We would all meet again in Paicines for our lunch stop where just the day before the spinach ecoli outbreak was linked via DNA testing. It was a national headline story in the tiny town which was now put it unfortunately on the map. And that's just where we were headed. We didn't eat the spinach at the Paicines Market but most did partake in decent burritos and burgers where just feet away was the unusual sight of numerous cars that must have been press covering the big story. There was a buzz in the unlikeliest of all places. And I'm not just talking about a bunch of strange men (and two women) in spandex and bright orange jackets.

Near the half way point a speedy rider not connected with ALC came flying by. We recognized each other as old friends from Hollister, Kevin Colton, and reminisced for nearly an hour about all the mutual friends we had in common and biking in general. This gracious guy was interested in our ride and I got to hear about some of his relatives I know that I lost touch with. It was a pleasant surprise and a part of why I enjoy "going home."

This wonderful day ended with a full meal at David's house with his partner Bill generously staying home cooking all day. Bill is famous for his cheesy bread which I had been thinking about since the year before. Oh, and ahi tuna to-die-for. A great group of tired people reminiscing about the days ride, biking in general, Paicines, Hollister, Ramona and E. coli.

So now you know the rest of the story.

Thursday, March 22, 2007

Where Have All the Postings Gone

Some of you might have been wondering what happened to me, where have all the postings gone. Well I'm gonna 'splain Lucy. After another garage break-in, my 1 year old Specialized Rubaix Elite bicycle was stolen in January, right as my training season was beginning. This would be the 4th stolen bike from our garage in about 2 years. We think we've been targeted and have taken precautions each time, but to no avail. This last one really hurt, both in the emotional sense and the pocket book. We've been considering a move ever since (and our building is up for sale).

After the grieving period I began the process of deciding what to do next: buy a new bike, a used bike or dump the idea all-together thinking fate just wasn't with me in regards to training for yet another AIDS/LifeCycle. This delay has put my fundraising needs aside as well, although a few dollars have trickled in regardless, each one motivating me to make my next move. My brother Kevin attempted to loan me a bike he had, but in the end it wasn't a good fit.

While relaxing in Maui and trying to overcome the flu (a cough still lingers), I came to a decision. God willing, I would ride again. I started researching every website, local bike shops and eBay for the perfect bike and best deal I could find. It would have to feel right, work within my budget and come together in time for the final 2 months of training (which is now), or else. In the process I've decided this likely will be my final ALC; and I have other fish to fry in '08 (stay tuned).

I'm happy to report that tonight I bought a new carbon fiber beauty from Sports Basement, a strong supporter of ALC and it's riders. The gorgeous blue Felt 20-speed was on sale and I got a further discount for being an ALC rider. I won't get in to the actual costs, but it was about 40% off to MSRP. Furthermore, I'll get full support for 2 years from the bike techs there and a free bike fit in a few weeks. Important things to consider as opposed to buying online new or used.

As you can imagine I'm as pleased as punch and am readying myself for this weekend's training rides. Next up, the important task of asking for those all important dollars I'll need in order to actually do the ride again. The deadline is coming soon. Stay tuned as we embark June 3rd.

P.S. Happy to be posting again and will keep the updates coming. See my sisters poem below.

"Las Flores Blancas" a poem by my sister Sue

LAS FLORES BLANCAS

I wake up cringing because it is Mom’s first birthday since she died last summer. Her birthday always falls on the first day of Spring.

Downstairs I am greeted by a profusion of new white flowers dotting the dark green bushes that climb the walls outside my kitchen windows. I gasp at this beautiful surprise gift from nature.

My eyes are drawn to them and I sense this confident smiling power above me, like Glinda circling her wand to send snow over the poppies in order to wake Dorothy from a poisoned sleep.

Mama knows her babies are sad today so she asked God if she could be the one to open the buds this first day of Spring.

She opened a hundred white flowers in my garden today. I sense her strong, secure, faithfilled, hopeful presence. I am drawn to look closely at the flowers whose petals are shaped like gently cupped hands, cupped to hold a tiny hurting heart. The petals delicately moving in the warm breeze, beckon me to climb inside and be held and rocked gently until my pain subsides.

I smile at all these flowers, each with the power to soothe me. She wants me to know that she knows I am sad. We are all sad and she sends the lilies of the fields to comfort us and insists we reach for hope and love, as nature insists with new buds that burst through each Spring, no matter how harsh Winter has been.

I was awed by the power the flowers held to draw me in, insist I stop suffering alone, and hold me in their soothing embrace.

One time on her birthday she told me, smiling proudly, “I bring the Spring.” God granted her wish to bring Spring in a brand new way this year.

I wish for you that you find the flowers she sprinkled in your garden today.

VSS
3-21-2007