Saturday morning 7:30 AM (9-21) and the clouds were rolling in. This wasn't supposed to happen I thought as the kitchen grew darker by the minute but it was. According to their website (TheTourdeCure) they ride wet or dry but when you register who ever really believes the weather will turn on you.
So, I packed up and helped my bike up and onto the bike rack. Telling myself I could do this. After all it was my first time and I was only going for 5 miles. How tough could it be?
Off I went spinning down the Garden State Parkway. I said to myself "self" I said,you will do this for that little guy who was recently diagnosed with diabetes and your niece who carried her twin boys with it for 9 months. Not to mention all of those who suffer with it for life right now until we do find a cure.
So I did. AND, all alone, because my poor friend came down with a bug and was sick as who knows what.
I pulled into Asbury Park NJ with the showers,let my bike loose from its rack and pulled out the waterproof wind breaker whose yellow could outshine the sun in case it never came out again.
Low and behold as I approached the registration booths Mr Sun started to peek out and by the time I was processed through, it was evident clear skys were ahead.
Off we went. I being last to register, was the "caboose".
Later finding out the ride was in fact in the 10 mile group because there was no 5 mile I smiled feeling like I had done a marathon. Basking in the feeling of this great achievement off to the T shirt and food tents listening and boppin to the band.
Lesson one here. Just keep on going. No matter the challenge you WILL meet it even though it seems you can't or your worried that you aren't capable.
Lesson 2 Have a goal!! Mine was to do my share for all those who didn't get their share of a good healthy functioning body but keep going everyday with what they did get.
To keep going despite all the pinches,meters and special diets they need to address not just to be in shape or be healthy, but to in fact, stay alive. That's their goal.
Thanks for sharing this day with me and a big shout out to the ADA for all they do.
A special "thanks" to the communities of Asbury Park@ the New Jersey Shore for letting us ride through their towns and who so kindly cheered us and guided us safely through their streets along with the ADA volunteers and the Asbury Police Department.

Ginny