How Peer Pressure Made Me Get Over Myself

About a month ago I rode with one of my BNI buddies. He had not been on the bike in over two years, and I am not the most experienced rider in the world – it seemed like the perfect match. We would ride, do lunch and discuss how we can help each other in terms of our businesses (This is called a One to One or Dance Card in BNI).

I learned more than just about his business that day. I learned that peer pressure is a powerful tool. As we rode I asked many questions to really understand not what he does, but the type of connection I could make for him. We tried to stay at a pace that matched each other so we could carry a conversation that involved just the right amount of yelling and hearing. I’ve got a fear of hills — not the uphill part but out of control speed you get going downhill without your breaks. Every time I would feather my breaks he would yell “No breaks, no breaks!” much to my chagrin. Eventually, I was so embarrassed that I just gave in.

In one day, he accomplished what my coaches, hypnotherapists and cycling partners have been unable to do. When I rode the Solvang Century ride a few weeks ago I could hear the voice of  “No Breaks Man” yelling at me to take the descent for everything it was worth. I found myself zipping down hill at 58 mph (OK, I will admit I threw up a little later). I would not recommend this to anyone else as a training method, I prefer a different kind of motivation, but I did have to ask myself “what’s working?”.

Oy, timing is everything.

Last year I had the pleasure of my first Team In Training season by training for 4 months with coaches, mentors and other cyclists working towards what would have been my first Century Ride in Honolulu. The day before our warm up event (Cool Breeze Century), I had to fly to Mexico for the start of 6 months of being all things to all people. I not only missed Cool Breeze but Honolulu as well. Some of you have already heard the sad saga.

My daughter also had a disappointment at Honolulu. She got about 16 miles in and went “endo”, in addition to bounce, slide and roll, taking her and a few layers of skin out of the event.

We consoled ourselves by saying we would tackle Honolulu in 2008. We took on another TNT season and did Solvang 2008 to make sure we stayed focused on our training and signed up for other events along the way. Sign up time for Honolulu is around the bend. *drumroll*

I was floored to find that we would still be on the plane as the sun set and Erev Rosh Hashannah would be starting. There would be no way that I could have family together and start the holiday that begins our year together. We’ve spent a lot of time as a family working on our goals to make a difference to others. It is not just the fund raising but the hours that Dave has spent driving Rachael and I to training and standing in parking lots with Josh until we returned. The days he has run SAG or that Josh could not play with his friends because it would mean that there would be no one to pick him up because Rae and Mommy are cat 5s and generally in later then others, plus other sacrifices that we willingly made. But to give up Rosh Hashannah and perhaps one of the final ones that my parents may be able to join us for.. I just wasn’t ready for that.

So I’m bummed. Add that to next year’s plans, the year of The Great Bar Mitzvah and I’ve come to the realization that I won’t be doing the Honolulu Century until 2010. I had hoped to be a TNT mentor by that year but I don’t think I’ll have enough time with them under my belt. I’ve already learned it is what they see that makes the difference, so being away may really hurt me there.

None of this means I am giving up my other events. I’ll still be in Toronto for the 200 Km event to benefit the Princess Margaret Hospital, among others.

Favorite New Word

smarticulate

Reason No. 8 to Ride

Reason No. 8 to ride is you amaze yourself.

I have a firm policy of there is no shame in walking, it beats giving up. Today, I took a route that I had not used in a year. I saw a hill up ahead that I have never completed, once I got almost to the top and still had to walk it. I amazed myself by not only taking that hill to the top but had to laugh when I saw that I was going 18 mph uphill!

Yahooza!

100 Rider spots left!

If you are still thinking joining our Team US Cares (password Kickbutt) for the The Ride to Conquer Cancer, Benefiting The Princess Margaret, June 2008, now is the time to get registered! There are only 100 spots left and Rider registration will close soon.

Ride Guides are standing by to help register any of your friends, co-workers and family members. Call today at (416) 815-RIDE(7433) or register online at: http://conquercancer.ca.

Let’s be clear. You don’t have to be rich to participate in The Ride to Conquer Cancer. And you don’t have to be an athlete. Whether you’re 25 or 75, a fitness freak or couch potato, a banker or barista, you can absolutely do this.

The funds you raise will support critical, breakthrough cancer research at The Princess Margaret, one of the top 5 cancer research hospitals in the world.

200 km or Donate – which do you choose?

I’ve made a personal commitment over the next five years to don my helmet and cycle to raise funds for cancer cures. To date, I’ve raised $3,478 and my family as a whole as raised $10, 478! We need to keep working together to conquer cancer for those struggling right now and for those yet to be diagnosed. To accomplish this I’ll be cycling The Ride to Conquer Cancer.

The Ride to Conquer Cancer benefiting Princess Margaret Hospital is a cycling journey from Toronto to Niagara Falls – a distance of over 200 km – that I’m embarking on to fight cancer. It will be a challenge in a number of ways, but with my bike, my helmet, and your generosity, a real impact will be made!

I’m asking my supporters to please make a donation of $218; one dollar for every kilometer I am committed to riding and eighteen for life! Of course any contribution is welcome as you support and generate the all-important funds for research, which will be allocated based on the highest cancer research priorities at The Princess Margaret and OCI. Click here to DONATE

I’m a firm believer that cancer does not stop at the U.S./Canada border. Because of that I’ve created Team US Cares to participate in The Ride to Conquer Cancer. The event is not just for athletes or cycling enthusiasts. It’s the ride for anyone who wants to challenge themselves for a great cause. All you need is motivation, a bike, and a helmet. The rest is history. To be a part of it and join Team US Cares, click here. (Team Password: kickbutt)

Can’t seem to decide on your ride?

Too many bikes out there to test ‘em all? Not enough hours in the day to try each one out? Try Testrider.com.

Forget the lengthy debates about boron and GSM numbers, how will this thing feel on my local club ride? That last few miles of a century? Jumping out of the final corner of a crit with that guy I just can’t seem to beat on my wheel?

At Testrider.com they don’t pretend to review a bike after a few hours in the saddle. Test Riders Ben Edwards and Matt Benko put in hundreds of miles, over varying terrain before attempting to review a bike, or any other piece of equipment.

Solvang Century tips just in time.

My coach and good pal from my last TNT season, Ramon, sent me an email today with his tips for a fabulous ride this coming Saturday in Solvang.

Ramon’s tips:

The ride starts with small hills that slowly get bigger, leading to a fun descent into Lompoc and SAG 1.

Foxen Canyon (mile 90): False flat, easy to over-do it.  It kicks up at the end, so don’t burn out!  Stay at a comfortable pace and don’t feel like you are “pushing” yourself.

SAG 5 (Firestone Winery @ mile 96): definitely keep your stop short, so your legs don’t get cold–there’s a climb immediately.  It’s not as hard as it looks, but easy to psyche yourself out since it you can see people climb it at the SAG.

Crossing Hwy 54 (mile 101).  Short but steep climb just after the highway.  A couple of downhill curves, then a long, gradual descent (yeah!).  A few short climbs, and then back to town.  Easy to be mentally tired, but watch for traffic.  Cross the finish line and celebrate!

Stay hydrated, stay fueled, be safe, chat and have fun.

Reason No. 7 to Ride

Reason No. 7 to ride is that you are an inspiration to others.

I was stopped at a light, wearing my very impressive 100 miles for Hope cycling jersey when someone congratulated me on my efforts and said that if I could do it (aging, overweight and grandma, remember?) there was no reason they shouldn’t get going in the same way.

I agree, time for all of us to get out there and help someone else – after all, cycling a 100 miles is a whole lot easier than chemotherapy!