3/12 Training Day 3 – 30 Miles

The day for me started at 6:30 am on a SATURDAY! By 8:00 am I was in Marina del Rey and scheduled to ride 30 miles. 9:00 am we were off riding. We started through the river path and again went through the debris and obstacles similar to the last training session. However this Saturday turned out to be more challenging and cumbersome.

Challenge #1: My mentor and leader of the group rides over a deep crack on the road which throws her off and makes her bike shift oddly. This nearly could have made her have a really bad fall, luckily she managed. I was riding right behind her with no chance to avoid the crack so I do the same and somehow am able to stay on my bike (see carol – I did stay on this time). The falling part I wasn’t so worried about, I have survived a few already. What did have me worried was the river fall to my left and at the speed we were riding it would not have been pretty. I’m very pleased to say I too managed and we kept on riding.

Challenge #2: I GOT A FLAT! We just finished fixing the flat of a teammate when we stopped for a quick break to the restroom and I noticed that I too have a flat on my front wheel. GREAT!!! With a super supportive friend, Alondra and I get cracking on fixing the flat. She removes the tube and I inspect the tire to see where the problem was. As Alondra finishes up putting the new tube together, I can’t seem to find the cause of my flat tire (which I still can’t find). We quickly finish up putting the tire back and continue on riding. Thanks again Alondra a real teammate.

Challenge #3:Getting through the many red lights on our way to Santa Monica through Pacific was very wearisome. Clip, Unclip CLIP and UNCLIP. I guess we weren’t fast enough to catch all green lights. On the way back this turned into a real challenge when clipping back on after a red light I got a cramp on my right calf muscle right at an intersection crossing. I was able to clip on and continue ridding with the cramp. I felt the knot there for a little while then it thankfully went away, yes it did HURT.

We ended our ride as the last group in. Unfortunately it wasn’t only me having problems but my teammates as well; it seemed the day was not meant to be for us. We never had a steady ride and couldn’t get warmed up enough to pick up the speed. It just wasn’t our day but we somehow were able to finish 35 miles, more than scheduled.

My fundraising has also turned out to be a major challenge. I have to turn in my recommitment papers next week, which pretty much say yes I can raise the funds necessary for me to continue training and participate in the century ride. At this point I’m not sure I will have the sponsors necessary for me to do so. I still need to raise at least $2600 and I am not sure how I will do this within the week. If I don’t get close to this number I'll be forced to quit(which I don't want to do). I am open to suggestions and would do just about anything at this point.

As my friend put it so eloquently in his letter to his friends about me “She is not a celebrity just yet, nor is she interested in being one, she has a cause, one that could be shared by most of us, if you agree. Her name Suzie Morales, her cause: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, her time June 05.”, no I am not the star nor do I ask for help for myself. The true stars are those battling with cancer everyday and my inspiration and drive to help them through my small effort of riding 100 miles in 1 day. I know we can make a difference.


I ride because I care

Donate Today! Click Here Now