The Journey of 3,000 Miles Begins with a Single Pedal Stroke.

Pulling into the parking lot of Union University, rounding out my less-than-glamorous debut ride with other cyclists, I said to Bethany "I'm not a quitter, but I am discouraged." I had considered those words for at least the final half of the 17 mile loop. I left out, "embarrassed".

Bethany, of Ride:Well '09, had offered to meet up with me last week to show me a route that she takes. We were joined by her friend, Bridget. To introduce me, Bethany said, "he's doing Ride:Well this summer" to which Bridget said, "I wish I had the time to do that." Right away, (despite training) I was struggling to keep up. After about a mile, they had turned in somewhere to wait for me. I asked, already suspicious of the answer, "How much am I holding you back?" "A lot." They were going far below their normal pace. I was going at maximum capacity. but could not keep up. Several more times they stopped and waited for me. I wondered if this was what I had to look forward to: a summer of not only falling behind but of having the pack twiddle their thumbs at water stops.

When I told her I was discouraged, Bethany asked, "Why?" When I asked, "This is where I am at right now, can I do this?" she did not hesitate to assure me "yes". She had already proven herself to be truthful, I had no reason to doubt her. Part of the problem, as my wife helped me realize, had been that I was in the wrong gear. Still, I spent the next few days uncertain.

That was the closest I've come to giving up. I wouldn't quit, I knew I couldn't. There was too much personal dignity at stake. So, I maligned myself to repeating this experience a thousand times over, being the guy that creates the need for extended water breaks, for the duration of the summer. That was the best I could muster, but it was enough to get me through, resolve intact.

I'm feeling better now and am getting more enthused about and prepped for the tour. No turning back...