A few days ago I received the Headquarters Newsletter from one of my parent companies, requesting cyclists join the company team for the local BikeMS: City to Shore ride in late September. There are a couple route options, all mostly flat to gently rolling terrain – 25, 45, 75, or 100. There’s also an option to ride back the next day – Shore to City – for 75 or 100 miles.
And I’m thinking – this is awesome! It’s two weeks after I hopefully complete my first century – I could easily do the 75mi route! This will be so much fun! And what if I get my husband and kids to meet me at the finish line – then we could spend an evening at the boardwalk, spend the night in a hotel, have a late brunch and then head back to Philly. Perfect! What a great weekend this would be!
And then I thought some more: on a long ride like this, I’d really like to have someone to ride with, someone to chat the miles away. Someone to hang out with at the rest stops, talk about life, the universe, and everything.
Except outside of the bicycle club I belong to, I don’t know anyone who enjoys long bike rides. And by long, I mean over 15 miles. I’m asking around, but so far no one is a taker.
We all find our cycling niche – short and speedy, slow and steady, marathons or sprints. And I know I should be open to meeting new people and just enjoying the day with other cyclists. But I also know I’m a social person and very much prefer the company of others. Talking to myself in my head for too long is never a good thing.
So I haven’t made up my mind about registering – I’m also wary of asking everyone for donations again, as there is a $300 minimum fundraising requirement. It’s a great cause – but I’m aware that I need to pick and choose my causes, not just ask for donations for every ride I feel like doing.
Until I figure this out, I’ll see you on the road.
wife. mother. awesome girl. 
$300 is a non-trivial commitment. Not to mention the distance…
When I do “real distance” stuff it has always been by myself. I find it easier to push myself. And… no one wants to run 26 miles with me. 🙂 Most importantly, I’ve found that it allows me to meet people on the course. It doesn’t take much. A couple words. A hello, how you doin? Sometimes a “you going to make it to the next aid station?” And that leads to great conversation at the finish line.
The few bike events I’ve done have mostly been by myself as well. And it was easier to hold a conversation while pedaling than running.
If you choose to do it, don’t let the social aspect get in the way. Look at it as an opportunity to meet someone new. And probably someone that likes to ride insane distance.
You are so right. IT did occur to me that perhaps I should try to do a supported event alone and see where that places my performance. Better? Worse? And I always see tons of people there by themselves as well.
As for the donations, I’m thinking about just funding it myself (since the company will pick up the registration fees and such) and writing it off come tax time. It is a great cause.
And an overnight at the Shore would give us an idea if we want to attempt a longer Shore-cation next summer.
Is this the thing that James was talking about? He’s thinking about doing it with you. We think it would be very good for him.
Would you be coming too?
Not sure. That’s with less than a month before my comprehensive exams, so as much as I would *love* to, I don’t know if I can commit.
No worries … I would love to see you again (and hopefully ride!) but totally understand the school thing. 😀