Bike for Women

Spring has finally arrived. We are getting a nice mix of sun and rain, flowers are blooming and this school year will draw to a close in a little over two weeks. Last weekend I was scheduled to compete in a triathalon here in Seward but illness kept me on the sidelines. This weekend I was heathly again and competed in the Bike for Women. It was a time-trial race (my first "bike only" race) - meaning riders leave the start line one at a time, at 20 second intervals. You compete against your actually start time - rather than one start clock that hinders you if you are at the back of the pack.

I got lucky and left number 170 out of 500 hundred riders. It was an easy 9 miles (Ha! Ha!)...hoping for a flat course...I was disappointed - as I made the hairpin turn out of the parking lot I quickly came upon a hill, going down. Nice - until I took a moment to realize that same hill, going up, was the approach to the finish line. The ride was 9 miles of up and down - only 2 major hills that tested my will (and my lungs) but...all in all I am very happy with my first bike race. I was hoping to finish in 35 minutes (on a flat course) - finish in 41 minutes with the hills. I also held my own in having only a hand full of people pass me - and I passed a couple myself.

Mary was a very good sport as my cheering squad - particularly because we went two hours before my start time. On a final note - things are good. Mary and I are getting excited about our weekend fly fishing class coming up in a couple of weeks. And it seems we may be going to see Elton John in concert at the end of the month. Stay tuned for more news soon - Ginger