Two days out...

We are two days out from the Cal's Angels WAR on Wheels ride from Washington, DC to St. Charles, IL and I have to be honest that I am a bit nervous. We will face a handful of climbs ranging from 10% to 16% that are miles long, which is something I have not and cannot experience training on the flat country roads of Illinois.

I've been training hard for this ride, but there's no way to simulate the feeling of grinding up a long, steep mountain. I'm worried that I'm going to bonk and have to walk my bike up the hill. Or worse, I get injured and have to drop out of it the ride altogether.

I'm trying to stay positive and focus on the fact that I've trained hard and I'm prepared as I can be. I'm also going to be riding with a group of experienced cyclists who will be there to support me.

I know that this is going to be a challenge, but I'm also excited to support such a fabulous charitable organization in Cal's All Star Angel Foundation Inc., which is a top rated charity per Charity Navigator.

I view this ride as an opportunity to give back and I genuinely believe this is a privilege to support those families that have heard the awful words…”Your child has cancer” or worse yet…”We lost another angel to cancer."

I know this ride cannot stimulate the pain the kids with cancer have to suffer through. I know that when I want to tap out while I am absolutely suffering up a 16% grade, I cannot and I will not! The pain from this ride will never match the feeling a mother and a father feel when they lose a child to cancer. However, I can lean on my incredible network of friends and family to chip away at the research needed to improve treatments and ultimately the outcomes of pediatric cancer.

Here are a few things I'm doing to prepare for the ride:

  • I've been riding over 175 miles a week, both on flat roads and any hills I can find.
  • I've been eating like CRAP and drinking plenty of tequila 😂 The double butter burgers and cheese curds from Culver's might be the only way I am getting through this!
  • I'm getting plenty of rest so that I'm well-rested for the ride.

I'm not sure what to expect over the 11 days of the ride, but I'm confident that I'm going to give it my all. I'm going to enjoy the scenery, the company of my fellow riders, and the challenge of the ride.

I'm looking forward to crossing the finish line and celebrating with my friends.

Stay tuned for daily ride updates!








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