Welcome to Debi's Place

Help me help our combat veterans through a program dedicated to helping injured veterans

2011-08-31T00:00:00.000-07:00

In May of 2009, I met John Wordin, Executive Director and Founder of the Fitness Challenge Foundation and Ride 2 Recovery (R2R); he was the guest speaker at the Bay Area Brain Injury Task Force (BABIT) Resource Fair.

At the time, I was struggling with severe depression after losing my best Buddy, my companion dog of 10 years and 8 months. I was gaining weight since I no longer had him to motivate me to get out and walk and my knees ached and one was in need of surgery.

John shared how cycling is helping our combat veterans in their recovery and how he lost the weight he gained playing football in college by cycling. He invited us to participate in the R2R Golden State Challenge. A quick blurb about the program follows, if you are reading my blog for the first time and haven't heard of the Ride 2 Recovery.

The R2R Program features cycling as the core activity because it has been found to be helpful in rehabilitation. Cycling facilitates the recovery process and is an activity most patients with mental and physical disabilities can participate in. The Program includes Spinning® Recovery Labs and outdoor cycling located at military and Veterans Affairs (VA) locations.

I decided the Golden State Challenge would be a fundraising ride I’d like to participate in because it would benefit America’s combat veterans and it would motivate me to exercise for a good cause.

Our military, deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, are returning home with life-changing injuries. Many of these brave men and women are fighting a new fight. They are fighting for their physical and mental health. You and I can help them in that fight through the Ride 2 Recovery (R2R), a nonprofit program created to help injured veterans.

I’m a brain injury survivor and a noncombat veteran. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the signature wound of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. My personal understanding of TBI is my motivation to raise funds for this program and it means a lot to me to help those serving today.

I benefited from this program after John learned I was veteran who had a brain injury when I raised funds and rode my TREK hybrid in October 2010 on the Golden State Challenge (GSC). In November R2R found a sponsor for my transportation to the Florida Challenge and R2R loaned me a road bike so I wouldn’t have to pay to ship mine. Wayne Stetina, an employee of Shimano, one of R2R’s sponsors, taught me how to ride on clipless pedals. At the last dinner, R2R donated that bike to me.

I was surprised because I’m not a combat veteran, but John told me:

Ride 2 Recovery helps all injured veterans, not just combat veterans. Ride 2 Recovery doesn't care how a veteran is hurt, only that we can help them in their rehabilitation.

Cycling has been good medicine for me; it has helped me deal better with stress and depression since my brain injury, and I sleep better. From my personal experience with the Ride 2 Recovery and the smiles I’ve seen on our combat veterans, this program is making a difference.

Our combat veterans are my heroes. Despite what one might think of any war, we should always support the men and women who made the commitment, took the oath and answered the call of our country. We are blessed there are men and women willing to serve today. I’m certain the children of this country turning 18 would be participating in mandatory conscription, also referred to as compulsory military service or the draft, if there weren’t those willing to serve.

A lot of those serving in the all-volunteer military have been deployed several times. I can only imagine how stressful it is being in harms way 24 hours a day for 7 days a week. Many of the deployments have been for at least a year. Many of the injured veterans on the R2R Rides are combat veterans from the wars in Vietnam, and Iraq and Afghanistan. Many are dealing with physical challenges, including loss of limb(s), post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or TBI.

I’m raising funds for this program. My immediate goal is to raise $1.00 for each person who died as a result of 9/11 ($2,998). My long-term goal is to raise $15,000 between now and the end of December 2012. The funds I raise contribute to the cost of helmets, recumbent bikes, hand cycles, road bikes and specialized equipment to modify bikes to accommodate injuries.

On the 10^th anniversary of September 11th, injured veterans, first responders and supporters are participating in the 9/11 American Challenge. This fundraising and rehabilitation ride is approximately 530 miles. The ride starts near Ground Zero on Sept 11^th. Riders will then cycle from New Jersey to Shanksville, PA and back to the Pentagon where the ride will end on the 18^th.

If you believe in helping heal America's combat veterans as much as I do, please consider a donation and help me spread the word about this awe-inspiring program.

One way you and your family, friends and coworkers can help is by making a donation of any size individually or collectively (passing the hat).

To donate online, go here. Enter DEBORAH PALMER as the rider you are sponsoring so that I can track how much money I’m raising for the program and I can send you a personal thank you.

Or, mail a check or money order to: Ride 2 Recovery, 23679 Calabasas Rd, #420, Calabasas, CA 91302. Please add Deborah Palmer to the memo section of your check or money order to ensure I’m credited for the donation and I can continue to track the amount of money I'm raising.

I acknowledge those who donate here unless they request anonymity. Three of the donors to the Golden State Challenge didn’t receive a personal thank you card because I didn’t have an address for them, but they were all thanked by E-mail and in this blog.

You and your family, friends and coworkers can also help by spreading the word about the Ride 2 Recovery. In addition to the funds needed to support injured veterans, I want to help raise awareness. There may be other veterans who could benefit from Ride 2 Recovery and especially Reserve and National Guard personnel who were deployed and returned home and haven’t learned of this program because they are no longer on active duty.

Those who like to bike may be interested in participating. For information about Challenges, Cyclefests and Spinning Nation events, go to the R2R website and select “Event Info.”

For those of us living in Northern California:

1. The Golden State Challenge starts in San Francisco on Sunday, October 2^nd and ends on the 8^th. You can also sign up for one day rides along the 7 day route. The first day ends in Santa Cruz (approximately 75 miles). Scroll down to Register Now! ONE DAY RIDE

2. The Stockton Cyclefest is Saturday, October 15^th.

3. The next Spinning Nation event is on Veterans Day, November 12, 2011.

It would be nice to see more local (SF/Bay Area) teams coming out on the one day events wearing their team kits. I’d especially like to see the Grizzly Peak Cyclists come out and ride wearing their beautiful Grizzly Peak Century jerseys. That’s the jersey I want to earn and every day I ride I am training for their century next year. I had to eat humble pie last year. Long story. :-(

Hum, I wonder what team has the strongest and fastest hill climbers. Could the best climbers be members of Team Alameda, Grizzly Peak Cyclists, Alameda Velo, or the Oakland Yellowjackets? Or, is it another team I haven’t mentioned in the SF/Bay Area?

Obviously, this chunky butt won't be at the front riding to see who was the first person to arrive at the finish at the end of the ride ;-), but I bet someone at the front of the ride or a support vehicle driver would let me know which jersey came in first. If I were to place a bet . . . I’d bet on the Grizzly Peak Cyclists. ;-)

OK, I hope you know I'm just messing with my home town's two cycling clubs, Team Alameda and Alameda Velo. I am quite aware that all three clubs have a lot of experienced and strong climbers, but I've only seen the Grizzly Peak Cyclists climb. And, they climbed right past me on the Grizzly Peak Century Prep Rides. ;-)

Really, if I were to pick out an individual it would be Flash, AKA James Gordon, on Team Alameda and one of my favorite bloggers, because of his experience and power to weight. He's a lean biking machine! He mentored me on my first climb over 1,000 feet. Everyone else on that ride was way ahead of us. A cyclist who can manage to ride with someone new to climbing and slow has got to be a strong rider.

Anyway, this isn't a race. It's an opportunity to ride your bike for a very worthy cause, enjoy the scenery, meet other cyclists and mingle with Team Ride 2 Recovery and the awesome supporters and sponsors of this program.

R2R participants (supporters and injured veterans) are sharing about their participation in other fundraising events on Facebook and some of them are even competing. How cool is that?

I wanted to participate in the Wheels for Meals Ride last year, but I was on the 2010 Golden State Challenge. The Wheels for Meals Ride was my very first fundraising ride in 2009. I participated because it is a worthy cause and I used it as a venue to train for the Golden State Challenge.

It was a beautiful ride with lots of nice people. I enjoyed the warm, fuzzy feelings I experienced after the ride and now I’m addicted to riding for the causes I’m passionate about.

This year the Wheels for Meals Ride is on Saturday, October 22^nd, so I can participate! Yeah! I’ll be registering on the Wheels for Meals site the first of October. I hope that makes me cool, too! ;-) And, I hope those of you who like to bike, who are over 50 or have aging family members in the SF/Bay Area will participate and/or donate also.

Please share this post and the information about the R2R Events with your friends, family, and colleagues, and especially those who like to bike? I'm personally riding for the warm fuzzies I get from furthering the cause of helping America’s combat vets. At the same time, I get to do what I enjoy and that is riding my precious bike.

Please tell any veterans, active military, and reserve and National Guard personnel you know about the Ride 2 Recovery. I've met a few retired military and other veterans on this ride. My homie, Anthony, from Alameda is a cyclist and veteran and has participated in these events since 2008. :-) If you are active military, retired or a veteran, you really should participate in one or all of the rides you can. If you are proud of your service or are serving today, I'm quite positive you will be glad you did.

I’m working on my active duty and retired Coast Guard cycling buddies and hoping they will recruit their colleagues and ride the 1^st day of the Golden State Challenge and/or the Stockton Cyclefest.

I met two El Cerrito police officers at the BE-Pro Conference and I participated in their awesome Bike the Bridges for Special Olympics Event in June. I plan to ride it next year, too. I get cooler everyday, right? ;-)

I would love to see those two police officers and their colleagues riding wearing their Police Department or Bike the Bridges jerseys on the one day ride from San Francisco to Santa Cruz and/or the Stockton Cyclefest, too.

If everyone I sent this to who wasn't riding made a $5 donation and/or collected a dollar from members of any club they are involved with, their coworkers, or asked family and friends for a small donation, we'd collectively make a big difference. A lot of small donations will make a big impact on this program.

Envision this . . . A business/city, county or state department/club/military unit with 100 people donated $1.00 or $5.00. Then R2R would receive $100 or $500. Imagine if 10 departments in Alameda County donated the same. R2R would receive $1,000 or $5,000. All one has to do to is give up eating one meal out or give up one cup of specialty coffee and plan a bag lunch and have regular coffee. I can refrain from a meal out or a specialty coffee because our combat veterans and their families have given up much more.

What I’ve loved most about getting in to cycling is that I’ve met so many nice people. I always cherished the esprit de corps and camaraderie among the active military and reserves, and it’s something that I also feel when people get together to bike for a common purpose.

The Ride 2 Recovery 9/11 American Challenge is supposed to have quite a few first responders participating. Shortly after 9/11, I remember seeing a drawing of a firefighter passing the flag to a military person. I wish I could find that picture. That picture has been engrained in my brain because it was touching to see a first responder (representing those who answered the first call to help those trapped in the Twin Towers hit by the planes) at Ground Zero pass the flag to a military person (representing those who answered the call of our country).

A San Jose firefighter, also a former Marine, raises funds and has supported this program since its inception. We’ve biked a few times together, but he’s very busy with R2R and his job as a firefighter. He has a new girlfriend, too, and we gotta’ get her on a bike. ;-)

I hope everyone who reads this blog will consider participating in a future R2R event or make a donation to help support our combat veterans in their healing. No donation is too small and all donations are equally appreciated.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post, considering a donation and spreading the word about this program that is making a difference in the lives of many wounded warriors and injured veterans.

Until next time.

Always,

Debi

P.S. Since I wrote this post, I have found the drawing that I saw many years ago on the Internet. It is titled, I'll take it from here!

Back in the hills and the Memorial Challenge

2011-07-21T07:12:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile since I have posted on this site or the Brain Injury Connection website because I have been struggling with my depression and it has been kicking my butt. I’ve managed to push myself out the door to ride my bike and that always helps. If I don’t ride, I don’t sleep well. If I don’t sleep, I’m really grumpy.

I’m getting 25 – 45 miles a day in 5 – 6 days a week now that it is summer and the more I ride, the better I sleep and feel. You may already know it, but if you don’t, cycling has been good medicine for me!

I’m back in the hills. What a difference a triple makes! I lost my conditioning over the winter. I didn’t ride in the hills for about 3 months due to the flu, inclement weather and I wasn’t confident enough to ride in the hills alone on clipless pedals without my cycling buddies.

It felt like I was just learning to ride in the hills for the first time when I started the Grizzly Peak Century Prep Rides in March. Before I go any further I need to remind or inform anyone reading this that I rode from San Francisco to Santa Monica (over 27,000 ft of climbing) via Highway 1 on a triple geared TREK hybrid without SAGing in October 2010. NOTE: The wheels I used on the Golden State Challenge were much narrower and lighter than the picture I’m linking you to.

The R2R donated a beautiful compact double road bike through their program to me in November on the Florida Challenge after they learned I was an injured veteran (noncombat). I went up in the Berkeley Hills in December. I believe I made it up those hills on that double compact with no problems because I had just ridden two challenges.

Three months later, after I realized I was struggling on the climbs during the Grizzly Peak Century Prep Rides, I discussed my concerns with two experienced and knowledgeable cyclists, Wayne Stetina and Jim, AKA Flash. Flash wrote a very helpful article titled, "Low Gear Manifesto" for his Flashblog. After reading Flash’s article; talking to the men and women I met on the Grizzly Peak Prep Rides; and discussing this further with my cycling friends, my bike is now a modified compact with gears lower than the traditional triple and equal to my TREK hybrid.

I had just made the change from a compact double to a modified compact when I was blessed to be invited to participate in the R2R Memorial Challenge.

The humidity drained my energy and we didn’t always have access to the Internet so I rarely brought my computer out of my suitcase. I arrived home totally exhausted. The Golden State Challenge was a piece of cake in comparison to the Memorial Challenge.

It had nothing to do with the miles we rode on any day or the hills. The Golden State Challenge involved more climbing and more miles each day. The temperatures and humidity were unprecedented on the first three days of the Memorial Challenge for that time of the year. I recall someone mentioning the heat index was 106 on one of those days.

I was born in the south – Southern California that is (Los Angeles ;-). I was raised in Texas and Michigan. My time on active duty was spent in Alabama, Kentucky, and Germany. After I married I moved to Fayetteville, Arkansas. The states I mentioned are very humid; I don’t recall whether Germany is humid. Anyway, I’m no longer accustomed to humidity because I’ve lived in California since 1987.

Day 1 – 2:

I don’t think I would have made it as far as I did the first three days of the Memorial Challenge, if I didn’t have access to a second engine. I affectionately refer to that engine as the “Stetina Engine.”   Several of us were grateful for his assists.

You have to be a strong rider to assist other riders. I was exhausted from the heat and humidity and there was one point that Wayne assisted me at least 15 miles. I think that was the first day when we left to ride after 1:00 PM. We attended a Memorial Day event just before the ride. The heat was unbearable when we started.

I was not feeling well when I finished the ride the first day. I was extremely exhausted and feeling very nauseated and I couldn’t get ready in time to go with everyone to eat that evening.   Someone had kindly brought food back, but I had eaten at a restaurant near the hotel.

A bit about Wayne

I wish I could add the picture to my blog that an R2R participant took of Wayne Stetina at the Sea Otter Classic.   He was standing up riding his bike in a race. You could see the definition of the muscles in his arms and legs. I downloaded it from Facebook and sent to his wife in case she didn't see it, but I can’t enlarge it and make it clear enough for my blog to show what a lean and muscular cycling machine Wayne is; he’s the epitome of fit. That picture would have made a nice cycling poster.

When the participants who ride the entire route might get a 71 mile ride day, Wayne and the other ride leaders usually get more riding in because they assist and move back and forth among the different groups of riders adding to their daily mileage. So, you know they have to be strong riders.

If you have an opportunity you should read “Living in Wayne’s World” a feature article in Road Bike Action Magazine. I remembered there are pictures of him in that article, but when I went back I see he’s wearing his arm and leg warmers and you can’t see his muscles.

Wayne works for Shimano and is also a professional cyclist. He’s a three-time Olympian and has won 13 US National Championships.

Wayne and Barb stayed in France after the R2R Normandy Challenge. He and his friends from the USA Cycling Champions Club are riding the Pyrenees and the Alps. He has his own blog now titled, Ride With Wayne.   His first post is about his Tour de France Adventure with his club.

I am just getting on Twitter and I follow Wayne @RideWithWayne and @Ride_2_Recovery. You can see what Wayne’s tweeted from his new blog, too. The pictures of France he’s tweeted and on his blog are beautiful.

Wayne’s wife, Barb, also my cycling buddy on the challenges, has kidded with me about being Wayne's PR person.

Most of the guys who work and volunteer for R2R,including, John Wordin, the Founder and Executive Director, Gary Hanson, and Scott Moro, and Jim Penseyres and Duane Wagner, Vietnam veterans, have competed in cycling events.

They bring a wealth of cycling experience and truly care about the success, safety and enjoyment of the participants. I love these rides and I love these people.

Day 2

Close to the end on the 2^nd day there was a very steep hill and my second engine was busy assisting his lovely wife up that hill. I’m embarrassed to say my heart was racing from the heat and humidity and I clipped out for fear of falling in to the traffic because I was climbing very, very slow.

Wayne came back to help me, but I was off my bike. He escorted my bike up to the top. I think Wayne was born on a bike. I don't like taking my hands off my handlebars to drink and he's riding with one hand on my bike and taking it along with him while riding up a hill. I’m embarrassed to say I got in the SAG vehicle rode up a short ways to the top of the hill – maybe a quarter of a mile. I got back on my bike and we eventually caught up with Barb. I would have tried harder to get to the top if I wasn't so hot and my heart wasn't racing.

Day 3

I pulled over to hydrate and rest under the shade of a tree at about 42 miles in to the ride with another rider. I got down on the ground and used my helmet as a pillow. I really, really wanted a nap. 15 to 30 minutes would have sufficed, but two of R2R’s cadre stopped to check on us. One felt my arm and said I wasn’t perspiring and they insisted I get in the SAG Wagon. I didn’t really want to, but I also didn’t want to die from a heat stroke. There was room in the van and I would have gotten out, if a combat vet would have needed a seat.

I rode the red-eye from CA to DC and didn’t sleep well the day before because I was packing and I hadn’t ridden my bike a couple days before the ride. I don’t ride; I don’t sleep well. I was excited about participating in the Memorial Challenge and seeing everyone I’ve met on previous R2R Challenges and meeting new participants as well. The day before I arrived in DC was my birthday. Even though participating in the Ride 2 Recovery wasn’t a birthday present I couldn’t think of a better way to spend the first few days after my birthday than riding my bike with this awesome group of people.

I didn’t sleep much on the plane. I was hoping I’d get a nap (and shower) when I arrived, but shortly thereafter we attended a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. There was no way I was going to miss that.

Back to Day 3

While in the SAG wagon I hydrated and cooled down. After 6 miles, I tried to get out and ride. That’s plenty of rest time when you’re in a vehicle following cyclists. No one could remember which vehicle my bike was in and everyone who was getting out at that rest stop was gone by the time we found it. Many of the R2R bikes look the same and the laminated license plate on the rear of the bike is what confirms it’s ours.

Catching up with riders in the heat would not have been easy. I probably would have overheated again. I got back in the SAG wagon. When we saw riders stopped to rest and hydrate the driver stopped to let me out. I rode the last 7 miles in with them.   Instead of 61 miles on the 3^rd day, I rode 49.

Some of us weren’t thinking very clearly or fast due to the heat. I crashed twice in the first three days.   I’m relieved to say, I did not cause either of them. The first crash was on the first day. A first time rider must have forgotten that John said if you haven’t been trained to assist a hand cyclist or recumbent rider, don’t do it.

I know that person’s heart was in the right place and he just wanted to help, but unfortunately he went down immediately after grabbing the push bar and I was right behind him and down I went. Wayne said I could have avoided him and gave me some pointers.

I understand the hand and recumbent cycles are very heavy and there is a protocol for assisting them. If you don’t follow that protocol, you will crash.

The second crash was the second day. A gentleman was reaching for his water bottle while we were riding up a hill and his front tire touched the back tire of the person in front of him and down we went. He felt so bad; he apologized to me several times throughout the ride. I told him it happens and it was a learning experience. At least the road rash I accumulated on both falls was on the same elbow.

John should have done a “road rash roll call” on this ride. I’m pretty sure I saw more road rash on elbows and knees than I remember seeing on the Golden State or Florida Challenges.

There was another fall in front of me and I successfully got around that person. Wayne told me I did well. I learned five riders crashed when a rider reached for a towel to wipe off sweat and dropped it in his tire. I understand those who fell because of that weren’t very happy.

Day 4

The 4^th day of the Memorial Challenge was the easiest. It was also our longest ride day of 71 miles. The temperature was much, much cooler and the humidity much lower than the first 3 days. What a relief.

Day 5

The 5^th day was emotional for me, but at least I didn’t cry. We rode on to Ft. Eustis in Virginia where I took my transportation officer basic course and some of the courses of my transportation officer advanced course. It was a painful reminder of my losses after a traumatic brain injury (TBI). I was a transportation officer in the Army Reserves and I had just finished a transportation management internship for the Department of Defense. My brain injury was a year after I graduated from that internship. I lost everything because of the ignorance about brain injury among the medical community and general public.

Day 6

On the evening of the 6^th day and after the Cyclefest on day 7 the USO presented a concert/fundraiser starring the Beach Boys and Darius Rucker, formerly of Hootie and the Blowfish, on Virginia Beach. I understand this concert will be a special on TV in the future. I love the Beach Boys. Darius Rucker is now a country singer and I like his voice and music.

Crane Cyclefest

Cyclefests are fundraisers that consist of one-day rides with various route distances designed for everyone from the occasional rider to the experienced cyclist.

Local law enforcement escorting us on the Crane Cyclefest changed some of the route due to flooding overnight. Instead of a 39 mile Cyclefest it ended up being 25 miles. It was drizzling while we were waiting to start the ride and by the time the ride started it was raining. The rain let up some when we stopped at Fat Frogs Bike and Fitness to hydrate and fuel ourselves with nourishment, but by the time we were rolling again it started pouring.

It was a long ride in the rain, but the rain didn’t really bother me. I was going to be packing my bike immediately after the ride for the trip back home in the rain and I was concerned about how packing a wet bike would affect it later.

I can’t tell you how much I wanted to pull over and sit in a water puddle. I learned by the 3^rd day of the Memorial Challenge that the Eurostyle Chamois Butt’r and my sensitive female parts did not agree with one another. That part of my body was burning. I was wiggling and standing off the seat often throughout the ride. Standing up on the bike and off the saddle gave me some relief, but it didn’t help my pace.

I’m quite certain that the fact my body was sweating profusely from the humidity it allowed that product to get in to places that it didn’t belong. I personally will NEVER use that Eurostyle Chamois Butt’r again. So ladies, you’ve been forewarned. Proceed at your own risk. Because of that painful burning, sitting in the saddle was uncomfortable for about 2 weeks AFTER the Memorial Challenge. Again, Regular Chamois Butt’r for me YES, the European Style NO.

Despite the heat and humidity, there were still lots of smiles and I believe everyone enjoyed the Memorial Challenge and Cyclefest. Maybe, we didn’t smile as much during the ride, but after the rides and out of the heat there were lots. I enjoy being around our combat veterans and all the kind, supportive and generous people who support this program.

I had a nice roomie on the Memorial Challenge. It was her first ride. She learned about the R2R events through her brothers. One rides and the other drives a support vehicle.

My roomie was living in Virginia when I met her. She is more accustomed to the humidity, but also said that the weather was unusual for this time of the year. Her family was in the process of moving to Colorado.   She and her husband are veterans, too. They are both West Point graduates and they were helicopter pilots when they served.

There’s not a whole lot more to write about the Memorial Challenge except these rides mean so much to me because I have an opportunity to ride with the most caring and giving people I’ve ever met.

Check out pictures from the Memorial Challenge here.

R2R National Champions

I am so excited for and proud of two R2R participants, Patty Collins and Jon Copsey. They participated in the USA National Championship - Road Race and won first place in their age and cycling category.

Photographer unknown-Photo on Ride 2 Recovery Wall on Facebook

Congratulations Patty and Jon!

You can read about that USA National Champion – Road Race event here. To learn more about cycling competition go to USA Cycling.

Le Tour de France

Two years ago, I never would have dreamed I would enjoy cycling so much that I’m actually following Le Tour de France daily. Previously, I might know whether Lance Armstrong won a stage or the tour but that was it.

Now, I'm predominately following our American teams: Team Radioshack, BMC Racing Team, Team Garmin-Cervelo and HTC-Highroad.

This is the last week of the tour. There are a few sites I know you can catch up, watch or get updates on the Tour de France: http://procyclingtv.com/; http://www.bicycling.com/; and http://www.steephill.tv/. It’s also being covered several times a day on the Versus Channel.

I’ve been rooting for Team Radioshack and more specifically, my home boy's, Chris Horner and Levi Leipheimer! OK, so Chris isn’t really a Californian, but he trains a lot in CA. Levi was born in Butte, Montana, but now he and his wife have made their home in Santa Rosa, CA. Have you heard of Levi Leipheimer’s King Ridge Gran Fondo? Ya’ have now. :-)

I’m heartbroken about Team Radioshack. Four riders have had to withdraw due to crashes (3) and illness (1 - high fever). Two sustained concussions.

I’d really love to see at least two of Radioshack riders get a stage win on the Tour de France. Levi is a 3 time winner of the Tour of California and Haimer Zubeldia is the highest placed rider on Team Radioshack so far.

I think Chris will be 40 next year and I hope he gets one more chance at the Tour de France. I love his smile, sense of humor and attitude. My favorite picture is here when he won the 2011 Tour of California. NOTE: The link may go away pretty fast because it’s a slide show; his picture is on slide #1.

Speaking about our American pro cyclists, there is an excellent article with videos about how the Americans are faring in the Tour de France here.

Lastly, I’m enjoying the Road ID commercials on the Tour de France. I especially like the Road Rules series with Bob Mionske. I read his Road Rights Blog and follow him on Facebook.

I get a kick out of the product ads. I know I’m too slow, and Levi nor Bobke would ride with me either, but my personal Road ID will! ;-) I have the Wrist ID elite in blue.

So, do you have a Road ID? Give your loved ones piece of mind and invest in a Road ID. So, if you can't speak for yourself, your Road ID can.

On that note, I’ll close. About time, huh? Rhetorical question. ;-)

Until next time.

Always,

Debi

Open mouth, insert foot . . . Time to back out of the Grizzly Peak Century

2011-03-31T07:35:00.000-07:00

Before I get to the crux of this post, I learned of Luke Matthews from Alameda Bicycle’s Facebook page. Luke has entered a competition for the best miniature bicycle made of bike spokes.

The person who receives the most "likes" on their design on the Easton Cycling Facebook page will receive their “dream” bike. I’d like to ask you to help Luke win his dream bike. If you’re on Facebook, please go here for links and directions. Please note later you can dislike or hide if you’re overwhelmed by information. Please pass this on to any teenagers and college students you know and ask them to help spread the word.

I don’t know Luke, but he’s young enough to be my son. I know how much I enjoy my bikes (R2R Stealth and TREK Hybrid) and I’d love to see him win this bike.

I’m a bit depressed because I can only ride vicariously with my Team Ride 2 Recovery. They are on Day 4 of the Texas Challenge. I check out the pictures and read the blog on R2R's Facebook page every night. I’m pretty sure that if you are on Facebook the R2R page is public. If it’s not, you can “like” it. Shortly after the ride, there will be pictures on the R2R website here.

Back to the main topic of my blog:

The gentleman who dreamed up the Grizzly Peak Century (GPC) was at the start of the last Sunday's Grizzly Peak Century Prep Ride.

Unfortunately, his dream has become my nightmare.

I have bitten off more than I can chew thinking I can do a bike century after being off my bike so much the last 3 months due to inclement weather and dealing with the flu for about 2 weeks. Furthermore, I am learning how to shift a compact double gear road bike and it hasn’t helped that I found almost 10 of the 30 pounds I lost after I started cycling since November.

I have set myself up for failure. I wanted the endorphin high I felt from the Ride 2 Recovery (R2R) Golden State Challenge (GSC).

I wanted to prove to myself that I could ride the Berkeley Hills because in the Fall of 2009, I wasn’t sure I could and a lot of other people didn’t think I would either. I wanted to be able to tell John Wordin, R2R’s Executive Director, that I rode the entire GPC to show him that another person who has experienced the Ride 2 Recovery and benefited from their awe-inspiring program is still riding and is participating in cycling events.

At the risk of tripping over myself again by patting myself on the back, in October 2010 I rode over 27,000 feet of climbing without SAGing in 7 days. It was “The Ride of My Life” with the most awesome people, including America’s wounded warriors. I rode 95 miles and over 7,000 feet on one day.

Now, I'm struggling with our local hills. And, I don’t think I can do the GPC Metric Century + 11 miles that consists of 5,750 feet of climbing. This is horribly embarrassing. After glancing over past posts on my blog, I realized I forgot about the first time I went up to Montclair after my arthroscopic surgery. I was so exhausted by the time we got to the Piedmont area on Park Blvd I decided I'd wait for Marc to come back from Montclair.

I have ridden the hills only twice since the R2R GSC in October predominantly because of inclement weather, but I also wanted to get more confident on my clipless road pedals. Until I'm more confident, I prefer riding with my cycling buddies and they're not always available.

The first time I rode in the hills on my R2R Stealth was December 24, 2010 with Marc and I didn’t ride in the hills again until GPC’s first warm-up ride.

I had a big scare on my ride the day before Christmas and I had to make some necessary adjustments to my bike. I never rode up and down hills until last year. I did not know that I do not have the strength in my hands to stop from my hoods going downhill. I was struck by stupid and inexperience.

Besides having lost my conditioning for climbing during the winter and being a fat chick, I think part of my problem is learning how-to use the compact double gears. My friends, Marc and Jim, think I’m wasting a lot of energy cycling in the wrong gear. I’ve communicated with a couple of very experienced cyclists and a couple of people on the Grizzly Peak Cyclists Team about my gears and there are some foreseeable changes in the future. And, if you’re a cyclist and want to make suggestions, I welcome them in the comment section.

A side note: How apropos that one of my favorite bloggers wrote an interesting blog and mentions the concept of “lower gears and higher power to weight ratio.” This past weekend I saw firsthand how important it is to be fit on any bike, and slim is a plus, than chunky on a light bike. A petite woman about my age was riding a very heavy, steel bike and my fat butt was on a carbon fiber. She left me in the dust on the hills. Very impressive and embarrassing! Talk about a reality check. Of course, if my chunky butt had been training I would have gotten up those hills without walking just a lot slower because of my weight. I had to walk part of Papa Bear on one ride and three times, including McEwen Road, on the last ride. Oh, and I skipped some portions of the rides. I've got some serious training to do. Will power just isn't enough. I am also pretty stubborn, but stubborn isn’t cutting it.

When I first rode in the hills, I was always able to stop and rest at the top on a climb, but I had been riding flats and there’s a hill near Richmond Point and some rolling hills on a trail near Walnut Creek that I trained on with Marc. I don’t think I’m confident enough that I won’t fall with the clipless pedals when I'm climbing so slowly and I end up getting out prematurely. I’ve only been using clipless road pedals since November. I learned how to use them on the R2R Florida Challenge. And, did I tell you I'm over 50 learning to ride hills and using clipless pedals?

I have a few favorite blogs and websites, but Flash of Flashblog is the blogger that has a special place in my heart [yes, his wife knows ;-)] because he mentored me on the first "ride of my life" and that was a little over 1,000 feet of climbing. He also got me moving in the direction of bigger hills. I have nothing but respect and adoration for him even though I know he’s wanted to thump me upside the head a few times.

Flash, AKA Jim, after certifying me nuts per my request and I shared the problems I was having riding the hills with him now, told me:

Keep in mind that this is the "off season" and that the GP century is early in the year, so I've always considered it more of a "hardcore" rider's century as in, you have to be hardcore to ride through the winter to be in shape for it."

I concluded from his comments I’m a hardcore idiot to think I could do this ride now. What was I thinking?

When I asked the R2R participants on Facebook whether they thought I could do the GPC Century John Wordin, professional cyclist and founder of R2R, thought I could do it, if I was in shape. Unfortunately, I'm not now since I've climbed only a few times this winter.

I really feel bad about reneging on my commitment to ride the GPC, but I would feel worse if I couldn’t complete it. I want this ride to be successful. I don’t care how fast I get there; I just don’t want to walk it. The last thing I want is to be seen in my R2R jersey and walking my R2R Stealth in the hills on this Century. I don’t care if I stop at the top of a hill for a rest, but to walk a hill is absolutely not acceptable to me.

I have to make ME, my Team R2R, Marc, David and my new cycling buddy Jim, a retired Coast Guardsman, proud. I rode 45 miles yesterday and about 25 miles were with Jim and I’m exhausted. He rode his Fixie bike. Hum, I bet if I could afford a fixie, not only would I get in really good shape, but I’d get some junk out of my trunk (pounds off my butt).

If you’re reading this and you have any suggestions for my training through winter next year; thoughts on my gears (compact double); or suggestions on my cycling diet since that is my fuel, I welcome them.

I thought about Nutrisystem through Costco, but I don’t know if they use preservatives for their foods. Note: I’m always ravenous when I cycle and I have serious knee problems so I can’t run or jump. I’m doing intervals and reading Selene Yeager’s, the Fit Chick, book, Ride Your Way Lean.

I sort of have a plan now, but I would appreciate hearing from others who have dealt with weight issues and got fit cycling.

I'd like to recover the funds I donated to this worthy cause, if I can. The GPC ride is closed to new participants, but transfers are doable. For more info about registration transfers go to the GPC home page. I’m also willing to transfer if someone will make a donation to either the Ride 2 Recovery, Bike Alameda, East Bay Bicycle Coalition, or the Grizzly Peak Cyclists. The jersey is the largest female jersey offered and if you’re not too petite, you might be able have it fitted without destroying the design. I won't wear the 2011 jersey unless I have the bragging rights to go with it.

Will I be doing a century in the near future? Yep, on June 4^th, I’ll be participating in Fatty’s, AKA Elden Nelson, the Fat Cyclist, 100 Miles of Nowhere to benefit Team Fatty who raises funds with the ultimate goal to eradicate cancer and help those affected by cancer.

Although my head will be hanging low for quite awhile, I’m trying hard not to cry. I'm trying to convince myself I’m not a quitter and I’m just postponing my Grizzly Peak Century ride until next year.

Until next time.

Always,

Debi

Problem Solved: Riding in the drops, reach remedied

2011-03-07T09:15:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, March 5th, my cycling buddies, Marc and Jim, and I went the same route Marc and I rode the day before Christmas when I had the scare of my life.

There was a 100% chance of rain on Sunday and I figured the Grizzly Peak Century Prep Series would be canceled. I decided I better get some riding in the hills with Marc and Jim.

The following includes the good and the bad about Saturday's ride.

The Good: *I slept better that night than I have in the past two months. Cycling is good medicine! I enjoy how I feel after a good ride and I usually sleep better. Saturday I slept great. I was much more tired and sore than usual because I had been off my bike too much the past two months. Last night I was asleep no later than 8:30 PM and I was up around 1:00 AM fighting to go back to sleep. I gave up around 2:30 AM.

*Being off my bike a lot due to inclement weather and the flu has affected my ability to sleep through the night. At least, I'm not waking up with nightmares and fears of hitting my head again. Thanks to Cathy Dana, a specialist in touch hypnotherapy, hypnomassage and trauma, I have worked through that fear for now.

I should tell the Veterans Administration about Cathy's work with trauma patients and see if this could be helpful to the men and women coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Bad: I lost the stamina I gained training last summer and riding the Ride 2 Recovery (R2R) Golden State Challenge and Florida Challenge. It was so much harder climbing Broadway and Tunnel Saturday than in December. Getting to Montclair wasn't a picnic either.

I walked part of Broadway. I've NEVER had to do that before. Stopped - yes. Walked - NEVER. I was embarrassed. I'm relieved that the second Sunday warm-up ride was canceled due to the rain. I would be trying to ride all of Broadway, not just from Lake Temescal, and we were going up Tunnel and across Skyline, too. Everyone I know, including me, dreads Broadway more than Tunnel.

I'm quite certain I stopped more yesterday than the first time I climbed Tunnel and my heart was racing faster than it has ever on any ride. Marc told me not to worry because I would get my stamina back. He also thought I might be working too hard because I may not be riding in the right gears.

This compact double gear is gonna take some time to get used to. Hum, I wonder if the only reason I was able to get up Big Sur on the R2R Golden State Challenge was because I had the triple (granny) gears and, of course, a lot of will power.

What am I thinking, I trained hard, too! I road at least 9 times in the Oakland Hills by myself. I know a few people who would never have thought Debi would ride in the hills by herself. That's OK though, she didn't think she would do that either! :-)

Unfortunately, I was desperate. I needed to train. I had no plans to SAG on the R2R Golden State Challenge. I had no choice because my Trainer, Marc, didn't schedule his leave (vacation for civilians) or his temporary duty assignments (TDY) through me. I'll have to talk to him about that. I keep forgetting. Yeah, right. I bet he'll roll his eyes and then he'll thump me upside the head and let me know he doesn't answer to me. Therefore, I don't think I'll even mention it. ;-)

I'm concerned I may have bit off more than I can chew. I am registered to participate in the Grizzly Peak Century on May 1st. The Grizzly Peak Cyclists donate funds they raise through this century to organizations that advocate for cycling, organizations involved in bicycle safety, education, and awareness, or the bicycling environment. I have plans to do the 101 mile route, however, now I'm concerned as to whether I'd even be able to complete the entire metric century plus 10 - 11 miles = 73 miles.

I was 5 miles short of a century on the 3rd day of the R2R Golden State Challenge. The Carmel to San Simeon route via Big Sur was over 7,000 feet of climbing and if it wasn't raining and I could have found my homie, Anthony D., I would have asked him to ride with me so we could get in a century on the approximately 460 mile ride from San Francisco to the Santa Monica Pier.

OK, I'm stretching that a bit. :-) I actually didn't think about that until later on the ride. Probably when I was jesting with Wayne Stetina, the professional cyclist who also works for Shimano. It could have been during the Florida Challenge, too.

Unfortunately, I was really challenged on Saturday's ride of just 28 miles. I sure hope I can find some of that stamina in the next 7 weeks or I'm in trouble. I need to EARN my jersey.

I'm riding with the Grizzly Peak Cyclists who have set up rides to warm up and train for the metric century. I enjoyed their first ride last Sunday and I didn't do too bad. I was near the front until the first climb and then I caught up on the flats. The ride leader said she thought I did fine. I'm just slower climbing and I came up to Inspiration Point about the middle of the pack of riders.

Yesterday, when we finally arrived at Sibley for that much needed break, Marc, Jim and I voted where we wanted to go down. The ayes had it for Joaquin Miller Road. I discussed with Marc about going back via Montclair by taking a right after the overpass.

Marc and Jim were at the stop sign to let cars know if I couldn't stop, but we were all pretty sure that I wouldn't have that problem because I was able to stop easily at the yield sign where you turn right off Skyline on to Joaquin Miller.

By the time I got to the end of Joaquin Miller Road and confident I wasn't having any problems stopping my bike because my reach had been adjusted for my hands and I was riding in the drops giving me more control over my bike while descending, I changed my mind. I told Marc and Jim I wanted to take my fear head on and we went down Lincoln. No problems stopping. Hum, as a traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivor I've got to find a better choice of words than "take my fear head on." Ya' think!?

The only problem I had going down Joaquin Miller Road on Saturday was that I'm back to descending really, really slow like I did in the beginning on my TREK. I was comfortable going down on the hoods of my road bike between 27 - 30 mph in December; it's when I couldn't stop at the stop sign and I went through it at 18 mph that I wasn't comfortable. I believe it's a matter of getting more confident riding in clipless pedals and the drops at the same time.

I was frustrated I couldn't get past 18 - 20 mph going down Joaquin Miller Road and most of the time it was closer to 14 - 16 mph. It's probably just a matter of getting more confident on my beautiful R2R Stealth just like I am on my beloved TREK hybrid now. I'm pretty sure with time and training I'll become more confident on my road bike and I'll move up to a faster, but comfortable speed for me. I've proved to myself I can do it before.

I've had two more falls. Grrrrr. I wonder what John (R2R's Executive Director) will think if he reads about my 5th and 6th fall. After the first two he told me: "keep off the ground already...." I'm really trying John.

Anyway . . .

Last Sunday, I left the rest stop at Inspiration Point with the ride leaders for the century prep ride and, of course, being the slow descender I am I didn't see them take a right. They yelled out to me and I looked towards them and then down looking for a shoulder to pull over. There wasn't a shoulder. I wasn't looking ahead when I'm starting to ascend a hill. I found out quickly I'm in the wrong gear. Down I go because I'm going too slow. The young men who got out of the car to help me up asked me if I was OK. I told him the only thing I hurt was my feelings. When I got home I found some new bruises on my elbow, knee, and butt; they'll heal with time.

Saturday, I accidentally clipped back in as I was rolling up on Marc and Jim at a red light. I couldn't get out before I ran in to Jim's back tire. I was actually trying to fall before I hit him, but I was too close when clipped back in to get out again. How embarrassing. Jim was standing firmly and wasn't affected. I learned from one of the professionals on the R2R that it's always the cyclist who hits the back wheel from behind that falls. I'm so glad I didn't hurt Jim. He's retiring from the Coast Guard next week and I don't think his wife would be happy with me, if I hurt him. Whew, I was lucky.

I landed in flowers under the 580 overpass and hurt my feelings again. I rarely accidentally clip back in with my road pedals, but for some reason I did it twice on Saturday. The second time I accidentally clipped back in I had plenty of time to get out again due to the circumstances.

I hope the weather will improve. I want to be able to get some more riding in so I will sleep better. Something has been bothering me for a few months and it has me a bit angry and hurt. Pounding the asphalt with my bike helps me deal with it. Although, I have to work really hard when I'm riding by myself not to let my thoughts get me too distracted.

Sometimes I have to say over and over "Forward and Right, Forward and Right, . . ." to make sure that I stay focused on my riding when I'm alone. I'm looking for potholes, cracked asphalt, debris and glass in the road when I'm looking forward and I'm looking to the right for cars coming out of driveways, parking spaces and determining that I'm as far right as possible without a car door opening on me. Yep, I've had a driver open his car door and the door missed my handlebar by about an inch. His apologetic "Oh, my God" told me he had no idea I was riding up on him. We were both lucky.

[After having my flat fixed, while out riding in the 19 mph winds on Monday and knowing I had already posted this blog earlier, I was thinking about what I said about saying over and over forward and right to focus me on my riding and helping me from being distracted by my thoughts. I hope no one interprets that I just look forward and right. I assure you I don't. I drive my bike like I drive a car. I use my mirrors and I also look front and left. I'm often more fatigued from using my brain staying focused on my cycling (mental fatigue) than I am physically from riding. Well, that is until my last ride in the hills. :-(]

I recall when I took Bike Alameda's bike safety class a couple years ago, they answered a question I've always wanted to ask. Why do I see bicyclists riding outside the bike lane?

The instructor informed us that when a cyclist is doored, they are usually thrown to the left and on busy streets that could be in the path of a vehicle.

In California, cyclists are not required by law to ride in bike lanes where cars are parked. "Because of the hazard always present in door zones, bicyclists are never required by CVC 21202 or any other law to ride so far right that they could be hit by, or forced to swerve into the adjacent lane, potentially in front of overtaking traffic, by a suddenly opened door of a vehicle."

The responsibility of any person opening and closing the doors of a vehicle in the state of California is depicted in CA Vehicle Code 22517. If you're not in California, check with your state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to learn the laws for cyclists in your state and consider taking a smart cycling class in your community.

Why do I remember this? Even people who have had a brain injury remember matters that invoke an emotion and the thought of being doored (driver opens car door in the path of cyclist) evokes the emotion of "fear" in me. I assure you I won't forget that rule. I know it can happen and it can kill.

I don't want to give details because it might make this special person I know uncomfortable. Someone I know was doored when a driver didn't see her and she didn't see the person in the car who opened the door. I understand she's recovering well, but I'm sure that experience was scary and painful.

In May of 2010, a young man was doored and he was thrown in the path of a bus. He died shortly thereafter. You can access the article here.

OK, I've digressed several times in this blog. Time to sign off.

Until next time.

Always,

Debi

Lesson Learned: Ride in the drops NOT ON THE HOODS when descending a hill on a road bike!

2011-01-25T11:23:00.000-08:00

The day before Christmas at noon I went riding with my cycling buddy, Marc. It was my first time riding in the hills on my new road bike. We went in to the Oakland Hills via Montclair then to Lake Temescal, Tunnel Road, and Skyline and down Joaquin Miller Road.

The ride to Tunnel went well with another fall after a short rest. Can you say klutz? ;-) I bruised my ego, again, and scraped a scab from the previous falls resulting in a little bleeding, but that was the least of my worries that day.

I was embarrassed to need the rest, but it wasn't all about fatigue. Shortly after we started climbing I told Marc I felt like I was going to regurgitate what I had just eaten. I felt nauseous. I had a banana for the first time before riding in the hills and two sample Clif Bars just before ascending Tunnel.

Knowing my fear of falling while clipped in Marc kindly reminded me to get out of my clips before I started heaving or I'd end up on the ground.

I was tired, but I decided to stop more because I was hoping my stomach would settle some. Of course, I hadn't climbed in awhile and I was feeling that, too.

I climbed the Oakland Hills once shortly after I returned from the Ride 2 Recovery (R2R) Golden State Challenge (GSC). I rode my TREK hybrid. I had no problems on that ride.

I haven't wanted to ride in the hills by myself until I'm more confident riding using clipless pedals.

I learned while going down Joaquin Miller Road on my new road bike that I could slow my bike, but I could not stop. I ran a stop sign at about 18 miles an hour. That scared me terribly.

I recall having difficulty stopping coming down Skyline where you turn right on Joaquin Miller Road that day, but it did not register that I might have a problem stopping again. Can you say, not the sharpest knife in the drawer?

I didn't have to stop at the light because I was taking a right, but I don't think I could have stopped even if I wanted to. I stopped right off Skyline on Joaquin Miller Road where Marc was waiting for me and where the road was flat.

Note: I double checked my brakes in Montclair and they were fine.

I was fortunate that the two cars at the stop signs at Joaquin Miller Road and Mountain Boulevard were not moving through the intersection. I'm sure they saw me coming towards the intersection rather fast and figured that idiot cyclist was not going to stop.

I'm sure they were irritated and justifiably so. I can imagine the news if I had been killed or injured going through that sign. I would have been remembered as an idiot cyclist who did not stop at the stop sign. It would definitely be my fault. The thought of being remembered that way has haunted me since.

I tried to stop; I was unclipped, but rolling too fast to put my foot out. If there would have been a car in my path I probably would have made a quick right after the stop sign or I would have kissed the vehicle and the pavement.

There was a small flat area past the stop sign where my friend was waiting for me. I managed to slow down and stop. I told him what happened. Marc tested my bike and he could stop with no problem. My brakes were fine.

Nonetheless, he took some slack out of the cables because he thought my hands might be fatigued.

I tried to go down Lincoln, another very steep hill with Marc behind me. He told me to stop and I couldn't. I didn't go far. I ended up going in to someone's flat driveway and then into a grassy area. While braking, I put my foot out to slow while grabbing a retaining wall to ensure I stopped.   Marc tested my brakes again; he had no problem stopping.

At that point, I wasn't getting back on my bike. There were two major intersections with lights coming up and they were at the bottom of hills. The thought of me not being able to stop my bike petrified me. I was going to take a bus home because I was shaking so bad. Instead of taking the bus, two of my friends came to pick me up.

I initially thought something happened to my brakes when I fell going up Tunnel after my short break, but then I remembered Marc had no problem with my brakes both times he tested them.

Later, I reflected on the fact the bike suitcase given to me with my R2R Stealth bike from the Ride 2 Recovery (R2R) was ripped during my flight home. Hum, I better tell John about that. I keep forgetting.

I was concerned whether my bike was damaged so I took it to a bike shop to have them put it together and examine it. Nothing was damaged. I had no problem stopping riding around "flat like a pancake" Alameda. I had ridden at least 100 - 150 miles since I returned from the Florida Challenge (FC) on the flats.

I was looking for any excuse, but operator error. It took awhile for me to get it through my brain that I hadn't damaged my gears/brakes on any fall and my bike didn't incur any damage during the flight home.

I discussed this incident with two cycling friends. When one of them realized I was riding on the hoods he told me I probably couldn't stop because I was using 50% of my hand strength. The other who is also a cycling instructor said I should be riding in the drops whenever I go down a hill because the hoods are only for the flats and slower riding and NOT going down hills.

When to ride in the drops was not something I needed to know when I was riding down Highway 1 on the R2R GSC because I was riding my TREK hybrid that has flat bars with bar ends.

I recall Wayne Stetina educating me on the handlebars while I was riding with him and his wife on the first day of the FC. I recall where to position my hands while reaching for my water bottle and I'm pretty certain he mentioned I have more control of my bike from the drops.

I personally like riding with my hands on the hoods because it is more comfortable.

Why I didn't consider moving in to the drops when I realized I couldn't stop is beyond me. I think it's because I'm older, fatter and more uncomfortable in the drops and for some reason I feel clumsy and fear falling. I recall that I always rode my Schwinn from the drops. That made my hands closer to the shifting mechanism on the frame. I never rode on the hoods before the Florida Challenge.

Marc told me it never crossed his mind that stopping from the hoods would be a problem for me because he can stop from his. It never crossed my mind either and I suspect more males can stop from the hoods when descending hills, too.

I thought the drops were there only if you wanted to ride using them and they were more important for racers. The words inexperienced and stupid resonated in my brain as I wrote that last sentence.

Marc has been really busy so I took my bike to the bike shop to have one the mechanics show me where and how to loosen my brakes since I personally don't believe I had a problem with hand fatigue.

The mechanic who showed me how to loosen my cables informed me that there was nothing wrong with my brakes other than I needed to loosen the brake cables some. He thought it could be hand fatigue, too. He and a few others at that bike shop emphasized I should NOT be riding on my hoods down hills either!

OK, OK, I got it. I got it. Ride in the drops NOT ON THE HOODS when you're descending a hill! :-)

Another person said that maybe my brakes were glazed. I understand that can happen when you ride your brakes and they get really hot. I told him I "feather" when I'm riding down hill. Hum, I have to look in to that more.

I have deduced the following from that experience and with the help of my cycling friends:

I don't have a good reach because my fingers are probably not as long as most males and my hands probably aren't as strong because I'm an older female.   I have compared how close my levers get to the handlebars from the hoods and the drops. When I am in the drops, I have a firmer grip and I can bring my levers closer to the handlebars.

My hands are strong enough to stop from the hoods on flats, but not strong enough to stop from the hoods when I'm descending a steep hill.   My weight and the grade of Joaquin Miller Road really accelerated my momentum. Most of the ride down Joaquin Miller Road I was going 27 - 30 miles per hour.    I was feathering my brakes. For many cyclists that is slow, but for this cyclist anything over 35 mph is too fast and I'm most comfortable between 20 - 30 mph.

The fastest I've ever seen on my Cateye is 38 mph on Skyline between Redwood Road and Grass Valley Road. I slowed myself down immediately because that frightened me. The fastest I went downhill on the Golden State Challenge was 34.7 mph.

I'm obviously NOT a speed demon, but I DO NOT ride my brakes. I "feather" my brakes when I'm descending. I had my TREK's brake pads changed after 10 months of riding. I know I had more than 3,000 miles on my brake pads and it could have been even closer to 4,000 miles. To save me money, one of my talented friends changed my brake pads in preparation for R2R GSC. He told me they were definitely due for a change and the grooves on the brake pads were almost gone indicating my brakes were quite worn.

I know my not being able to stop at that stop sign with my R2R Stealth had nothing to do with the performance of my brakes/gears. My brakes weren't worn. The R2R Stealth bike donated to me on the FC was new and I had no more than 600 miles on my brake pads. My gears nor brakes were damaged from any of my falls or in the luggage department of the plane on the way home.

There were very few hills on the route we rode in Florida -- if you can even call those hills. ;-) We had American Legion Riders escorting us on both Challenges and most of the time we didn't have to stop because along with local Sheriff and Police Departments, they would block traffic at major intersections so we could proceed through as a group.   I had no opportunity to test my braking on hills in Florida.

On the Golden State Challenge, I rode my beloved TREK.

I'm certain had I trained on a road bike for the GSC, I would have learned the importance of riding in drops while descending hills before the ride commenced. If the Golden State Challenge would have been my first ride on my R2R Stealth, I'm certain one of the professionals would have convinced me to ride in the drops going down hills and I would have either listened or experienced something similar or worse.

I was lucky. I try hard not to imagine if Marc and I would have gone another route. I am thankful we didn't go back down Tunnel or Snake Road. Joaquin Miller Road was the better choice with a 4-way stop.

Tunnel Road has a stop sign with no stop light or stop sign at the crossroad, Caldecott Lane or Tunnel Road depending on the direction you're coming from, and a low guard rail with a steep drop after that.   I could easily fly over that if I hit it with my bike, but hopefully I'd remember to take a right turn, if I couldn't stop.

Snake Road is a steep and very windy road, hence the name Snake, with no flat area just before the last light and includes at least one stop sign. I could have run a red light and ended in the fence that runs along Mountain Boulevard with the freeway below, if I wasn't hit by a car first. Hopefully, I'd remember to lean right and make myself fall and not get run over.

I remember John Wordin telling the Ride 2 Recovery participants on Day 3 of the Golden State Challenge from Carmel to San Simeon via Big Sur that what goes up must come down. I know I won't be going in the Oakland Hills again until I am comfortable riding in the drops.

I have to work on strengthening my hands and test my hand strength using the drops. I'm positive I will be fine. From the drops I'll have my entire hand gripping my levers like I do on my TREK hybrid just at a different angle. Like my beautiful TREK, my R2R Stealth is powered by Shimano. I figure as long as I do preventative maintenance and if my hands are as strong squeezing from the drops as they are using my TREK hybrid, my gears/levers will properly engage my brakes and I will stop appropriately.

No ifs, ands or buts, I have to learn to be comfortable in the drops and learn how to move from one to the other at any speed and especially when descending. That experience of not being able to stop at a stop sign shook me to the core, tested my mettle, and now I have to dig deep and rebuild my confidence and find the courage to go up and down hills again.

I'm sure I can; I am stubborn and I won't give up! A valuable lesson learned. ;-) I have to get confident in my drops before the Napa Ride 2 Recovery (R2R) Cyclefest on April 16th. I plan to do the 50 mile route.

I'm a little nervous about seeing my two friends who told me that I should NEVER ride on the hoods going down a hill. I wouldn't be surprised if they want to thump me upside the head. ;-)

Until next time.

Always,

Debi

That time has come -- fell TWICE this week using clipless pedals

2010-12-17T09:28:00.000-08:00

Before I forget, just a friendly reminder, Fatty, AKA Elden Nelson, the Fat Cyclist, is asking people who read his blog to donate to help Andreas Knickman fight bone cancer. Those who donate before December 23rd will be automatically entered in a contest to win an opportunity to bike with Andy Hampsten, the winner of the 1988 Giro d’Italia, in Italy or France for 8 nights and 9 days. Read Fatty's blog for all the details.

While riding approximately 350 miles from Tampa to Jacksonville on the Florida Challenge I didn't fall during the ride, but John Wordin, President and Founder, of the Ride 2 Recovery, told me "you'll fall at some point" and "it's a matter of time." Grrrrr, that "time" came twice this past week:

On Sunday, I met the riders on the 2nd Sunday Slow Ride with Team Alameda, including my friends Anthony and Barbara who participated in the Golden State Challenge, at their rest stop and enjoyed conversation and hot chocolate with them. After their short break, I started to go up the hill with them to a nice area to look out over the Bay. I was on a very slight incline, and I pushed too hard after being on damp ground (gravel and grass) and my cleats slid down the metal pedal and my foot went out from under me as it hit the ground. I think because road shoes have slick bottoms.

And, I fell again on Wednesday. I clipped out of my right foot just fine, but wanted to play with my new mirror and I forgot that I was clipped in and tried to take my left foot off my pedal like I would normally on a platform pedal. My legs are rather strong from all the riding I do and my R2R bike is much lighter and I knocked myself down. Duh, struck by stupid. I actually came really close two other times when I forgot my left foot was clipped in. Hopefully, the memories of that fall will be a reminder when I try to take both feet off my pedals again. For some reason, I've been lucky and I haven't forgotten when I get home at the end of my ride.

Injuries sustained from both falls: Bruised ego; sore left elbow; skinned and bruised left knee; two big bruises on my left cheek (and not the cheek next to my nose); and a bruise on the outside of my right thigh where I think my handle bar struck my body. Whew, my beautiful R2R Stealth is fine! My bike was saved by my chunky thighs. No scratches.

OK, I've got to rid myself of some guilt. I did fall the night BEFORE the six day ride on the Florida Challenge when Wayne Stetina was teaching me how to use clipless pedals. I stopped by a fence and grabbed it instead of unclipping and down I went.

I also tell everyone on the Golden State Challenge that I never SAGed and that's true. I can't tell anyone that I rode every mile. On the first day within the first 5 - 10 miles I got off my bike and walked about 2/10ths of a mile up a little grade. Yep, I walked. A lot of the new riders were getting off their bikes and I was wary about going around them in the traffic so I got off and walked about 2/10ths of a mile with a young lady who had surgery on her ankles. I'm just gonna' tell those professionals that it was my "fake out" to get them to think I wouldn't be able to make it up Big Sur on the third day. I should have placed bets with them. I'd have some extra spending money. ;-)

Clipping in and out hasn't quite become automatic yet, but I'm hopeful it will. Nonetheless, I'm really proud how far I've come since I started training to participate in the Ride 2 Recovery Golden State Challenge about July of 2009. Who'd a thunk Debi Palmer would have been climbing and descending hills and using clipless pedals!?! :-)

Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I hope you will consider a donation to help a teenager and his family fight his bone cancer. If you can't donate, I hope you will at least spread the word about this worthy cause. The Fat Cyclist's initial blog about the fundraising campaign for Andreas Knickman and the contest to win an opportunity to ride with Andy Hampsten is here and there is an update here.

In closing, I'd like to say that I'll be riding, but the San Francisco Bay Area is expecting at least 7 days of rain. :-( I'm dreading it because I can't get that endorphin high that helps me battle my depression. The dark overcast days don't help either.

Until next time.

Always,

Debi

Please help Andreas Knickman fight bone cancer

2010-12-14T22:25:00.000-08:00

A few of my favorite blogs are listed alphabetically on the bottom right of my blog. I came across the Fat Cyclist blog when I was googling how-to lose weight cycling. Fat Cyclist (AKA Elden Nelson) started writing his blog in May of 2005. I enjoy his writing and plan to suggest he turn his blog in to a book. I learned of this blog last year, and it's overwhelming to try to read 5 years of posts on a computer.

I gather Fatty started writing initially about weight and cycling and he still does, but it has grown in to something more. Fatty uses his blog to raise awareness and funds about a very worthy cause that is very personal to him. Susan, his wife and the mother of their four children, fought cancer for five years.

Fatty is dedicated to raising awareness and funds for cancer.

Andreas Knickman has metastatic osteosarcoma (bone cancer). He is the son of Roy Knickman, a retired professional cyclist and a former teammate of Andy Hampsten, the winner of the 1988 Giro d’Italia, Roy is currently a firefighter for the Paso Robles Fire Department in California.

Fatty is asking people to donate to help Andreas Knickman fight bone cancer. Those who donate before December 23rd can win an opportunity to bike with Andy Hampsten in Italy or France. Please read Fatty's blog titled, Help Andreas Knickman Fight Bone Cancer, Tour Italy with Andy-Freaking-Hampsten for all the details.

Please share the Fat Cyclist's blog about Andreas battle with cancer with everyone you know especially parents, those who like to bike, firefighters and anyone whose life has been affected by cancer.

If 300 people I E-mail or facebook donate $5.00, my contacts and I will contribute $1,500. And, if those 300 people reach out to 100 people who donate $5.00 those 300 people will each raise $500 and they will contribute $150,000. Add the $1,500 from my contacts and we will collectively contribute $151,500 to a very worthwhile cause. If my 300 contacts were to reach out to 300 people and raise $1,500, we would collectively raise $451,500 to help Andreas fight bone cancer.

I'm signing off to go make my PayPal donation to help Andreas win his fight with bone cancer. Will you make a donation? Will you spread the word?

Until next time.

Always,

Debi

My goal and thanks to those who helped me in my training or donated to the Ride 2 Recovery (R2R) Golden State Challenge

2010-12-06T14:20:00.000-08:00

Be forewarned. This is a long blog . . . but not complicated. It’s also long overdue. Since the R2R Golden State Challenge (GSC), I participated in the Florida Challenge and I blogged about it here.

Prior to thanking all the people who supported me in my training and those who donated to this worthy cause, I want to share my personal goal on the Golden State Challenge.

My goal was to complete every day’s ride because some people I know didn’t think I could. I was determined to prove I could do it to myself and those who didn’t think I could. AND, I DID! :-)

I have been training for Golden State Challenge for over a year and my goal was not to SAG. I didn’t want to be a burden to the R2R Program and take up a seat in a SAG vehicle that should be reserved for our newly injured veterans.

During and since that ride my beloved TREK has been referred to as a “clunky hybrid” by many professional and experienced cyclists. My poor hybrid; I love my TREK. It can get me up any hills those road bikes can go . . . just a tad bit slower. OK, a lot slower with my chunky butt.

After the major hill days, I asked Wayne Stetina, a professional cyclist and Vice President, Shimano American Corporation and Road Product Specialist, who I refer to as the “Shimano Man,” and his wife, Barbara, how many people thought I would make those hills?

Wayne told me that NO ONE thought you’d make it up those hills. I said to him: How could you think I would NOT get up those hills with those Shimano gears? What was he thinking! ;-)

I asked Wayne if he thought it was the gears, the TREK or me that got me up those hills. He said something like the gears are fine; something about my TREK hybrid that I don't recall; and I had to have done some training.

I did train. I wanted to raise funds for this awesome program and I knew I’d have the honor of riding with many of America’s combat veterans.

I was surprised, but maybe not so surprised that they didn’t think I’d make it. They didn’t know me. And, I suspect those slim and fit “ professional cyclists” were taken aback because I’m definitely NOT slim. Furthermore, I was riding a hybrid and not a traditional road bike.

I was concerned whether I would make it, too. But, I’m really stubborn; I was determined not to SAG. I was blessed to meet up with Dick Brock, owner of the Scan-Van, on the first day of the ride; he gave me some suggestions on how to preserve energy riding up hills. I put that advice to work and it helped a lot.

I’m still basking in the glory of my accomplishment. The 3rd day was the longest ride day. Day 3 was 95 miles according to my odometer and over 7,000 ft of climbing, according to Jason Bryant, who rode with me about 60 of those miles. I blogged about the leg from Carmel to San Simeon via Big Sur. Jason blogged about each day of the GSC on Facebook. Day 3 was here. NOTE: Scroll down to notes about the Golden State Challenge. Even Jason didn’t think I’d be able to ride the entire route that day.

I have a lot of people to thank for this opportunity and my success including:

Bay Area Brain Injury Task Force (BABIT)

I owe a big thank you to the Bay Area Brain Injury Task Force (BABIT) for introducing John Wordin, President and Executive Director, Fitness Challenge Foundation and Ride 2 Recovery, to the brain injury community. He was the guest speaker at their resource fair in May 2009. He informed us how cycling is helping wounded warriors in their recovery and invited the brain injury community to participate in their fundraising and rehabilitation rides. I blogged about it here.

Once I made the commitment to raise funds, I knew I better start training. I started riding 5 miles a day for a week, the next week I moved it up to 10 miles a day and the week after up to 15 miles and so on . . .

AFTER I told John I planned to participate, I learned I’d be going up and down some really steep hills on the ride along Highway 1. Oops! Telling John I was going to participate, I already committed myself to ride. I was born in California, but raised in Michigan and I was clueless about hill climbing and the thought of going down hills fast really scared me. I thought . . . what did I get myself in to?!

Since I started riding again, I have faced the fear of having another traumatic brain injury (TBI) because I had a brain injury that changed my life when I was out bike riding. You can read about the TBI that changed my life here. I've also come to realize that overall cycling makes me feel better.

I’ve had to accept I have minimal control over having another TBI. Life’s a risk and I’m in God’s hands. I can’t control irresponsible drivers. I can only do my part by obeying the laws that apply to cyclists, ride defensively and ensure my bike is safe with proper maintenance.

I took classes through Bike Alameda and the East Bay Bicycle Coalition to learn the rules of the road and other skills. The classes were empowering. You can find similar classes in your community through the League of American Bicyclists. I suggest all cyclists take these classes and especially novice cyclists.

My cycling buddies, Marc L. and David G.

I introduced my cycling buddies in a previous blog. I rode with Marc and David when they were available. I learned a lot from them and it was much more fun riding with them than by myself, especially while training in the Oakland Hills. I can’t say it enough; I’m so lucky to know them. They were instrumental in building my confidence on a bike.

Marc believes I could have done the Golden State Challenge without them. I’m headstrong, but I don’t know that I could have completed the entire ride without their support. They kept me motivated and moving.

In preparation of the GSC, David did some serious maintenance on my TREK hybrid to save me money, including changing my worn out brakes. ;-) I know I have complete control over my speed provided my brakes work properly. He also convinced me to change to lighter tires. That was a wise move on my part and I am very grateful for that advice and the complete tune-up.

I’ve had an opportunity to ride with them since I’ve been back, and Marc and I road up Tunnel Road once. The trip to Los Angeles made me stronger and going up Tunnel was easier. I hope I don't lose that over the winter.

Anthony and Barbara D.

I want to thank Anthony and Barbara D for their continued support. I met them where I bought my TREK. Anthony is a Vietnam era Navy veteran and he rode in the first R2R Golden State Challenge in 2008. Barbara and I watched Anthony and the other participants leave the San Francisco VA Medical Center last year. I blogged about it here.

I loved knowing Barbara and Anthony were on this ride. Barb was a SAG vehicle volunteer and Anthony rode. We usually had breakfast and dinner together. Barbara always cheered me on when she drove by. When Anthony passed me with the fast group on the days they started after the slower riders, he always shouted out something encouraging. It was fun sharing that experience with them and it's nice to know I have local witnesses to my accomplishment. ;-)

Flash and Flashette

I also want to thank Jim G., AKA Flash, the Ride Commissioner for Team Alameda for mentoring me the first time I climbed a little over 1,000 feet. I tease his wife and tell her that I got up that hill because I had the cutest Ride Commissioner on my butt. I was truly blessed to meet Flash and have him guide me on that ride.

Jim suggested a plan as to how and where I should get started training in the hills, too. It worked! Flash is also one of my favorite bloggers.

What I want to thank Jim for most of all is introducing me to Cathy, AKA Flashette, his lovely bride of 30 years or so. She was a Godsend.

Cathy is a specialist in touch hypnotherapy, hypnomassage and trauma. I saw her to help me deal with my fear of having another brain injury. Getting back on a bike has been challenging. The sessions I had with her were definitely helpful and made a difference.

I would often have dreams where I’d crash with a vehicle. It would wake me abruptly and I couldn’t go back to sleep. After seeing her I only had one bad dream and that was after learning a cyclist was doored and killed when he was hit by the bus he was thrown in to. I calmed myself and I went back to sleep. I don’t quite understand the process, but I do know it worked because I haven’t had a dream like that since.

Team Alameda

I want to thank several Team Alameda (TA) members for educating me about cycling matters (clothing, equipment, etc.) from their perspective.

Note that I’m using their "first name and initial of their last name or their handle/nickname/username" or something I remember that stood out to me because I no longer ride with them. Their awesome 2nd Sunday Slow Ride was too slow for me, especially while I was training, and I really wasn’t qualified for the other rides because I was too slow for that group. I was a novice cyclist and I never climbed hills until this year.

Team Alameda is a membership organization consisting of a lot of wonderful people who enjoy cycling, and I am especially grateful to Anthony and Barbara D., Brenda, Casey, Diane R., Eric K., Flash, the “Got Gears” Guy, Gwyn, Harold, Melne, McGyv, JP, Shel M., and Sweeps for sharing their experience with me.

I apologize if I left anyone out who shared their experience with me either via the TA forum, personal message or if I ran in to you at Alameda Bicycle or Cycle City.

I occasionally ran into Ken J., also a member of Team Alameda, at Alameda Bicycle. He was always encouraging. When I got back from the Golden State Challenge and I went by Alameda Bicycle and Cycle City to tell them about the ride, I was hoping I’d run in to him. Guess what – I did. It made my day to see him and be able to tell him that I never SAGed on the Golden State Challenge. I hope I didn’t startle him because I was so excited I gave him a big hug without asking first.

The rides of my life get bigger and better. First, in the Oakland Hills up Butters Canyon with Sweeps as the ride leader and Flash as my mentor with Team Alameda; then up Tunnel Road and down Snake Road with my cycling buddies, Marc and David; and now the trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles via Highway 1 through Big Sur with Team Ride 2 Recovery participants on the Golden State Challenge.

I have a feeling that the R2R Golden State Challenge will always be the ride of my life! Imagine the surprise of the skeptics when I made the entire route on my TREK hybrid without SAGing. I’m still euphoric knowing I met my goal.

My Sponsors/Donors

I also want to thank those who supported the Applebees and Chevys fundraisers and my sponsors.

I’m very grateful to the Alameda Sun and my friends who spread the word about Applebees and Chevys' fundraisers and especially those who participated. It was an opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends, contribute to the economy, but most of all contribute to the healing of America’s injured veterans.

Because of those who sponsored me, I was blessed with the opportunity to ride the entire route in this awe-inspiring rehabilitation and fundraising ride. While striving to meet my personal goal, I saw a lot of newly injured veterans get stronger and more comfortable and confident on their bikes.

Cycling is great medicine! Despite sore muscles and butts from the long, challenging rides there were lots of smiles.

My sponsors included my Trainer who is currently serving in the Coast Guard and many veterans, including my brother, one living with a brain injury from a construction accident and a doctor whose specialty is traumatic brain injury (TBI), the “signature wound” of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

If my donors weren’t veterans, many were related to someone who retired from the military or a veteran.

Family members and my friends who are like family donated. Some of them told their close friends about this ride and they also donated.

Some of my donor’s lives have been affected by brain injury and a few work with the brain injury community. Others I met through my beloved Buddy, an American Pit Bull Terrier, and some through my new love of cycling.

This program exists because of important and special people like my donors. I acknowledged them here.

In closing, I want to thank again . . .

Marc and David, my cycling buddies, for blessing me with their presence and taking the time to ride with me; sharing their valuable experience; and donating to this awesome cause.

Anthony and Barbara for their support throughout the year; cheering me on the ride; participating in the Applebees fundraiser; and their kind and thoughtful donation, especially since they were raising funds, too.

Flash for his suggestions for training and mentoring me on the first ride of my life. Flashette for helping me deal with my fear of having another TBI, and some of the members of Team Alameda.

I thank God and BABIT for the opportunity to cross paths with John Wordin who got me back in to this feel good sport.

I also want to thank the R2R Team, their volunteers, and partners for THE RIDE OF MY LIFE! :-)

If you click on the Ride 2 Recovery web site, their is video on the home page about the 2010 R2R Golden State Challenge in a segment of Making a Difference on the NBC Nightly News.

Now, I have to get out those belated personal thank you cards. I hope my sponsors, many who are my friends and/or family, know that I’m just as appreciative today as the day they donated. I’m dreading writing these because my penmanship is atrocious.

If you haven't already and you're interested, you can read my blogs about the Golden State Challenge here.

By the way, did you notice the beautiful picture on my blog? That’s Day 3 – Carmel to San Simeon via Big Sur on the 2010 Golden State Challenge. To see that picture in its entirety and lots more pictures taken on the Golden State Challenge, go here.

Until next time and in between the rain, I'll be riding my beautiful R2R Stealth powered by Shimano and Debi whenever I can.

Always,

Debi

AKA Deborah Palmer

The Florida Challenge is over :-(

2010-11-27T11:54:00.000-08:00

The last ride day of the Florida Challenge (Saturday, Nov 20th) was 41 miles. Approximately 350 miles in 6 days.

Cyclists from Team Navy Jax came to the World Golf Resort and joined the Ride 2 Recovery (R2R) participants on the last day of the ride and escorted us through the Naval Station in Mayport. We arrived to a nice reception and lunch. Chick-Fil-A, Domino's Pizza and the USO rock!

During those 6 days I learned how to ride a road bike with clipless pedals and I didn't fall. John Wordin, reminded me it's a matter of time. Thanks John. I'd like to think I met my quota of falls the first time I tried to use clipless pedals. In retrospect, I probably didn't give myself enough time to learn them. Getting up and down hills was more important to me at that time.

Later, we had a great evening meal and I was presented a R2R Stealth road bike by John Wordin, R2R's President and Executive Director. I did a horrible thank you speech so I hope I can make up for it in this blog. I really don't know how bad it was because I can't remember a darn thing I said.

What concerns me most is whether I thanked the R2R and their partners. I couldn't think while trying to keep my tears at bay. I started to feel my throat choke up and I know I get all red and uglier when I cry. I would have tried to hide my face in John or Wayne Stetina's shirt if I started crying so I tried to spare them that embarrassment. ;-)

I am very grateful to the Ride 2 Recovery and their partners for inviting me to participate in the Florida Challenge and giving me this awesome road bike. Only God knows when I could have purchased a road bike after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) changed my civilian and military careers. I've been thinking about getting a road bike since the Golden State Challenge; but due to the cost, I was wondering whether my next bike would be a road bike or an adult tricycle. ;-)

The R2R Stealth is beautiful; very, very light; AND powered by Shimano. ;-) I always wanted my first road bike to be shiny black. I think it makes my butt look thinner, don't you? ;-) That's a rhetorical question. I already know a black bike DOES NOT make my butt look any smaller. :-) I wish.

The morning after John gave me the awesome R2R Stealth bike that he suggested I "borrow" for the Florida Challenge so I wouldn't have to pay to transport my TREK hybrid, I woke up at 4:30 AM Eastern Time. Tears were streaming down my face. I suspect I was having a dream about John (R2R) giving me the bike because that was what I was thinking about when I woke up. I do remember the last thing John said and I was touched. My new bike has enormous sentimental value. I will cherish it forever.

After hearing John at a brain injury resource fair talk about how cycling was benefiting our wounded warriors physically and mentally, I decided to start riding again. I was desperate to feel better because I was very depressed.

John shared how he lost weight cycling after playing football in college. I've always fought the battle of the bulge, but the weight crept up rather quickly after the brain injury. The fatigue issues that come with TBI and medications didn't help.

I lost some of the weight after I adopted Buddy, an American Pit Bull Terrier, but I gained it back when he couldn't walk very far because of a pituitary tumor growing into his brain. It didn't help that I was dealing with the stress of losing him and the expense of his illness. Even after losing my best Buddy, I didn't walk far because I was having problems with my knees.

The physical benefits from cycling are awesome. I'm going to cycle as long as I can. I've enjoyed that I've lost a few pounds from cycling (approximately 30 lbs) and it's not painful. Cycling doesn't strain my knees like running did and walking does.

My goal, between now and the R2R 9/11 American Challenge, is to get more junk out of the trunk (weight off my butt) and my Buddha belly. I'm thinking at least 30 pounds. To lose thirty pounds in itself will be a challenge. ;-) I'm also going to be working on strengthening my core and neck muscles.

Cycling has been challenging for me because of my fear of having another brain injury and a lack of confidence, but I'm more confident now because of my two cycling buddies, Marc and David, and two awesome R2R experiences, the Florida and Golden State Challenges. There is nothing more fun and safer than riding with cyclists who care about each other and experienced and professional cyclists who care about inexperienced riders -- like me.

I hope Marc and David will join me on a future challenge. Having them on a ride -- even if it's for one day -- will be icing on the cake. I'd love to have the R2R staff and participants meet my special friends and have my friends experience a Ride 2 Recovery Challenge.

The psychological benefits of cycling are wonderful, too. I love how cycling makes me feel. I sleep better when I cycle. I enjoy what I perceive as an endorphin high after a good ride. It's better than any medication a doctor has prescribed me for depression or anxiety since my brain injury.

Cycling helps me cope with depression. The loss of my careers in 1993 (civilian and military) because of the ignorance of my doctors about TBI, formerly referred to as head injury, is something I continue to struggle with. I've moved on, but I still get angry at times. Riding my bike calms me down when I'm having a bad day.

I was surprised to receive the bike from R2R because I thought the program was geared to combat veterans, but John told me that the Ride 2 Recovery helps all injured veterans, not just combat veterans. R2R doesn't care how a veteran is hurt, only that they can help them in their rehabilitation.

I thank God every time I ride that I had an opportunity to hear John speak because getting into cycling has helped me a lot both physically and mentally. Cycling should be prescribed medicine.

In closing, thank you again Ride 2 Recovery (R2R) and partners for my awesome new road bike. I will ride it and I will cherish it. Also, thank you for the opportunity to participate in the Florida Challenge. I had a great time and I learned a lot.

I enjoyed meeting the new participants; seeing again some of the Golden State Challenge participants and the R2R Team and volunteers who work tirelessly to plan, coordinate and execute R2R events with their awesome partners.

I am so proud to have had the opportunity to ride the Golden State Challenge and Florida Challenge with America's finest on Team Ride 2 Recovery. I love all of you.

I'm wishing everyone a very safe and happy holiday. And, you and your families, and our troops in harms way and their families will be in my prayers.

Until next time, I'll be riding my beautiful R2R Stealth whenever I can.

Always,

Debi

AKA Deborah Palmer

Day 4 (Gainesville) and Day 5 (World Golf Resort)

2010-11-19T23:59:00.000-08:00

Day 4 - Ocala to Gainesville was approximately 57 miles. I didn't forget to unclip on Day 4 and clipping in is becoming much easier, especially with my right foot, but it hasn't gotten any easier with my left foot. I'm knocking on wood. I'm definitely using different muscles and I'm feeling it in my knees.

We had dinner in the University of Florida basketball stadium. The U of FL provided tickets to the Florida Gators versus North Carolina Aggies basketball game. Those Gators ate the Aggies! The score was 105 - 55. Near the end of the game, Albert, their Gator mascot, came up and gave me a hug. It must have been that Ride 2 Recovery T-shirt I was wearing. :-) Considering I'm really not a basketball fan, it was a great game. Basketball is too fast for me to follow. I do love football.

Day 5 - Gainesville to the World Golf Resort was about 76 miles according to Lisa's odometer. Haven't fallen while unclipping from the pedals as of day 5. My neck is pretty sore from that long ride. Road bikes are a different ride from hybrids.

I rode with the first group today because my riding buddy, Barbara Stetina, wanted to go slower. What possessed me I don't know. I was told the first group was averaging between 19 - 22 mph. Much easier on a road bike than my hybrid, but I did get to 20 mph at times on the Golden State Challenge. I can assure you not while ascending hills. ;-)

When I first arrived in the first group Scotty, a ride leader who works for the R2R, called the other ride leaders on their communication apparatus and said Deborah Palmer is riding in the first group. Later John, Founder and Executive Director, R2R, came up and took a picture. He told me it was because Wayne Stetina wouldn't believe it if he didn't see it.

The hardest part was when I lost my glove at the first rest stop. When I went to go back and get it the first riders were leaving. I worked hard to catch up with them. Jon, a young Marine and a very strong rider, helped me part of the way and then moved forward to catch up with a hand cyclist to help him catch up with the first group. I got behind one of the R2R SAG vehicles to draft and that stopped the wind to help me ride faster.

I was exhausted by the time I reached them, but managed to stay with the first group. Although, I slipped a little further back towards the end because I was still pretty tired from catching up. I was lucky to get a few assists (they push on your backside to give you some momentum) from some very experienced cyclists. Thanks guys!

As we were almost to the hotel, one of the experienced cyclists asked me my age and told me that I should get in to racing for my age group. He suggested I go out and try a few. I still can't believe I heard that or did I really hear that?

I need to become more confident going around corners because that slows me down. And, I definitely need to learn how to go around in the right gears so I can come out of the turns faster. I'm hoping to concentrate on that on Day 6. We have a 40 mile ride on our last day. I know my neck is going to appreciate that.

Riding Florida has been beautiful. I did see one alligator -- I think. A dead baby alligator on the side of the road on the first or second day. Oh, and I almost forgot Albert and Alberta Gator, mascots for the University of Florida, yesterday. ;-)

We've been on mostly two lane roads. The scenery is beautiful when I look. I'm so busing watching the tires in front of me and people at the front of the group.

We are receiving wonderful support from the American Legion Riders, I feel much safer knowing they are with us watching our back.

I'm having a great time riding with this awesome group of people. God bless America and God bless our troops and their families.

Always,

Debi

AKA Deborah Palmer

R2R Florida Challenge Day 3 - Ocala, FL

2010-11-17T23:59:00.000-08:00

When I arrived at the hotel today, John Wordin, President and Executive Director of the Fitness Challenge Foundation and Ride 2 Recovery said something to me like: You're here already. I guess he was reminiscing about my slow ascents and descents on the Golden State Challenge.

A few minutes after I released myself from the clipless cleats without falling, I was elated to tell him it's been 3 days and I haven't fallen, yet. He told me that I'll fall at some point. Yeah John, thanks. That's what I need to hear. ;-)

I'd like to think I've already met my quota of falls. You can read about my first time using cleats here. Wayne Stetina recommended I get on my mountain bike clipless pedals and click in and out 50 times for at least two days. He also told me to point my toes down when getting out to make it easier to roll out.

I talked to the guys at Cycle City where I bought my beautiful TREK hybrid that got me up Big Sur on the Golden State Challenge. :-) They suggested I get on the trainer at the bike shop. David from the shop asked me to show him how I get off my bike. He told me that I get off my bike correctly. He recommended I make my mantra to clip out on the bottom of the pedal stroke. I practiced clipping in and out on both the left and right side for 2 hours and 15 minutes and I rode 2 days using the clipless cleats where I live.

First day, I road 3 miles home from the bike shop. I was really nervous riding home and I asked a friend to follow me home with her car. She said it looked like I was getting in and out rather easily. I stopped and clipped out and in at a few stop lights and stop signs. The next day I rode about 12 miles with no falls, too. I brought the mountain bike pedals and shoes to the Florida Challenge as Plan B.

The R2R Steath bike I'm using on this ride has Shimano road pedals and my TREK has Shimano mountain bike pedals, I click out the same on both and I believe I'm going to easily be able to go back to the mountain bikes pedals.

I rode all the way today with my biking buddy, Barbara. At some point, we caught up with her husband, Wayne Stetina, who was riding with and supporting Delvin McMillian. From that point on I dubbed Delvin our ride leader.

Delvin and Wayne, the coach, kept us going at a very comfortable pace. It was a really nice ride. I'm so impressed with what R2R and their sponsors did to get Delvin on a bike to accommodate his injuries and many others, too. To watch Delvin and others on their specialized bikes is heartwarming; they are troopers.

I've met a lot of new people on this ride and I'm pleased to see a few of the people I met at the Golden State Challenge. They are inspiring.

I don't know that I'll write much more for the of this ride. I'm still working on my thank you blog and thank you cards for those who sponsored me on the Golden State Challenge. I need to get those cards out when I get back home. I'm already late.

So . . . until next time, I'm still riding with some awesome people.

Always,

Debi
AKA Deborah Palmer

Day 2 of the R2R Florida Challenge is over

2010-11-16T23:59:00.000-08:00

I took the elbow pads off today. I didn't fall, but I'm going to be worried about forgetting to clip out until it gets more automatic.

Riding in the flats with clipless pedals affects the legs differently than platform pedals and I'm a little bit more sore and tired than I was on the Ride 2 Recovery (R2R) Golden State Challenge (GSC). Wayne Stetina, the Shimano Man and a professional cyclist, said its also because I'm riding faster and pedaling more on the flats.

Today's ride had a few rolling hills. That gave me an opportunity to get more familiar with the gears.

I received the ultimate compliment from Wayne yesterday; he told me I exceeded his expectations.

That's the second time I've exceeded expectations because Wayne told me that NO ONE thought I'd get up the hills on the R2R Golden State Challenge (GSC). I told a couple of people if it hadn't been so dark and raining when we came in that night I would have ridden 5 more miles so I could have said that I rode a century on the Ride 2 Recovery. ;-) Maybe next year!

When I got home from the Golden State Challenge (GSC), I asked my cycling buddies if they thought I'd make the entire ride without SAGing. They both said yes. When I told Marc, who I affectionately refer to as my Trainer, that no one thought I'd make the hills on the GSC, he said: They didn't see you train; we did.

Wayne has mentored me along the route and I've been riding with his lovely wife Barbara who learned from him, also. I'm taking advantage of what they know. I'm sure sometimes that they think I might be a little slow, but since my brain injury (not combat related) I don't learn as quickly and I have a fear of crashing since my injury was while out riding a bike.

Along the route and especially today, a few of the more experienced cyclists, including America's wounded warriors, have called out to suggest what gear I should move to. They've been great about helping me. I'm finally understanding how the gears on a road bike work since I moved them more today going up and down the rolling hills. Wayne has told me several times what gears to use and why, and now I'm finally getting it and putting that to use. Barbara often checks to make sure I remember to unclip and tells me when she's changing her gears as a friendly reminder to me. I enjoy riding with her.

I'll know within the next few weeks when the Napa R2R Cyclefest will be and whether there will be a metric and/or century ride. I plan to participate in it and I hope I can get my cycling buddies, others I know who cycle, and some of Marc's Coast Guard friends to participate. It's going to be one fun day and a great way to support our troops in their recovery. Cycling is great medicine!

We had awesome support going through Hernado County from the Sheriff's Department. It was heartwarming to hear one of the wounded warriors thank them for their service. They are the men and women who watch our backs on the homefront. I hope I'm complimenting the correct sheriff's department and I'll delete this sentence once confirmed.

Be sure to check the news section of my blog (bottom, left) and read the articles about the R2R Florida Challenge. You can see more photos, learn more quickly about the news and articles, and upcoming events by joining the R2R on Facebook.

Last night we had a great dinner at the local American Legion Hall in the city of Lady Lake just a few miles from the hotel. Our entertainment included a senior ladies cheerleading squad. They entertained us by cheerleading to patriotic songs. They were adorable. They enjoyed entertaining us and it was very obvious we enjoyed it, too. We gave them a standing ovation.

Again, I'll have the honor riding with the men and women who made the commitment, took the oath and answered the call tomorrow. We have a shorter ride on Day 3, approximately 50 miles.

Please keep our troops in your prayers and sneak in a prayer that Debi won't forget to unclip during this ride. ;-) Thanks.

Until next time,

Always,

Debi
AKA Deborah Palmer

P.S. I'll probably need to edit this later. It's a last minute post.

I'm on the Ride 2 Recovery (R2R) Florida Challenge

2010-11-16T06:30:00.000-08:00

I was invited to participate in the Ride 2 Recovery (R2R) Florida Challenge. They found someone to sponsor me and they have loaned me a R2R bike with Shimano SPD-SL Road Pedals. Wow, what a challenge, but I believe it won't be such a challenge when it becomes automatic. I'm having trouble clicking out on my left side though. That ankle is weaker.

I'd like to thump the person who named this type of pedal "clipless" over the head. You clip in and out and I'd say you clip more than less because you clip out whenever you stop and clip in when you ride. Grrrrrr.

I had the honor the first day riding with Barbara and Wayne Stetina, who I affectionately refer to as the Shimano Man. I'll ride again today with Barb and Wayne will ride with the fast riders. They start 45 minutes to an hour later and eventually pass us.

So far, this is a much easier ride than the Golden State Challenge. It was a really flat day, an Alameda flat day. ;-) Anyway, that's for me who's been riding for over a year and the professional cyclists I'm sure, too. We have new learners on the ride so this is probably a bit challenging for them, but they are troopers.

The clipless pedals are my challenge. I didn't fall yesterday ;-). I took the knee pads off for the ride yesterday and I told John I'd take the elbow pads off tomorrow.

Off to breakfast and then to ride Day 2 of the Florida Challenge with America's finest.

Always,

Debi
AKA Deborah Palmer

Day 7 - The Ride of my Life is over and what an experience!

2010-10-15T09:15:00.000-07:00

The last day (Day 7) of the 2010 Ride 2 Recovery (R2R) Golden State Challenge, I rode with 3 gentlemen who were maintaining an excellent pace from the starting point in Ventura to the staging area where we were to meet and proceed to the Santa Monica Pier. I was dealing with a cold from Day 5 of the ride and these guys kept me motivated and moving forward.

It was a pleasure to ride with them. I'm sad I didn't get a picture with them, but I'm sure I'll find their handsome mugs in the photos taken by the Scan-Van and hopefully, I'll see them again at a future R2R Challenge.   Marlo, Kenneth and Mark, you rock! Oops, I almost forgot, Anthony (not my friend from Alameda) joined us nearer to the end of the ride. You rock too, Anthony!

For the most part, the weather was great. I know at least Camille, Jason and I encountered rain approximately 10 miles or so before the end of the route on Day 3 (Carmel to San Simeon -- the grueling Big Sur climb) and everyone rode in the rain the next morning. That is probably what brought on my cold since I wasn't wearing appropriate rain gear.

I recall getting up in the middle of the night before the Day 6 ride (Solvang to Ventura) to check the heater. I was certain it was on. It wasn't. I suspect I warmed the room with a pretty good fever and I'm quite certain I broke that fever on one of the climbs later that day. It was the only time on the ride I really perspired and I was sweating profusely.

Statistics from my odometer for the last day of the ride:
Day 7 - Miles for the Ventura to the Santa Monica Pier ride: 59.87; Average speed: 14; Max speed: 31.9; Time on the bike for the ride: 4 hours and 15 minutes.

The reception by the city of Santa Monica and at the Santa Monica Pier was heartwarming. It was just awesome! If you're on Facebook, you can connect with the Ride 2 Recovery and you'll see tons of pictures taken on this ride. You can also go here.

The Ride 2 Recovery Golden State Challenge was the ride of my life. It meant a lot for me to participate in this rehabilitation and fundraising ride for personal reasons, but my motivation and inspiration on this ride were America's injured military and veteran participants; those serving today and those who have served; and those who have paid the ultimate price.

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) changed my military career and I couldn't serve. It meant a lot to me to have the privilege and honor to ride with America's combat veterans. They made the commitment to serve our country, took the oath and they answered the call. America owes our combat veterans a debt of gratitude for their selfless service.

The song titled, Do I make you proud by Taylor Hicks keeps popping in my head and that's because I've been playing a You Tube tribute to our troops with that song in the background. It is very, very unlikely anyone would ask me that question, but at the risk of sounding cliché, if our combat veterans were to ask me, do I make you proud or a reporter were to ask me does our military make you proud, my answer would be: Yes, you/they make me proud!

I am honored to have met those who are serving now and those who have served in the past, i.e, Vietnam and veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and I thank you for your service. Not that I've ever not been proud to be an American, but I thank you for confirming why I am very proud to be an American.

Always,

Debi
AKA Deborah Palmer

P.S. I'll be thanking the people who sponsored me and worked with me to make sure that I could finish this ride and not be a burden to the R2R and I'll share what this ride meant to me personally in a future blog.

This last week was about our combat veterans! I support our troops! God bless America and God bless our military and their families!

Day 5 Solvang and Day 6 Ventura

2010-10-08T19:44:00.000-07:00

I woke up at 2:15 AM yesterday and around 11:00 PM tonight and luckily yesterday I could go back to sleep and I suspect I will be able to go back to sleep again before morning.. A cold has been waking me and my roommate the last two days. When I wake up, I go on my computer to reread and edit my previous posts because I am writing them after an exhausting ride and I'm more prone to error. There were a lot and every time I read them I find more.

I noticed when I turned my computer on and went to my blog to begin this post yesterday evening I even forgot to post yesterday's blog about the Pismo ride. Oops.

I didn't provide information from my odometer the first day because I didn't think about adding it and I accidentally deleted my bike odometer on Day 4, but Day 5 and 6 are:

Day 5 - Miles for the Pismo to Solvang ride: 67.67; Average speed: 13.0; Max speed: 34.7; Time on the bike for the ride: Grrrrr. I lost it while trying to find it on the odometer. My fingers are clumsy. I do know it was 5 hours and something.

Day 6 - Miles for the Salvang to Ventura ride: 71.93; Average speed 12.2; Max speed: 29.9; Time on the bike for the ride: 5 hours and 53 minutes.

NOTE: On my odometer, any slow downs when riding in a group and the climbs that are always much slower are factored in the average speed. There were many times that I got up to 20 mph on the flats thanks to something I learned from an interview with Pete Penseyres about interval training from a book published by Bicycling Magazine. I'm so tired I can't remember the name of it and I'm too tired to do a search. I didn't learn about interval training until September so I have a long way to go, but that month definitely made a difference.I blogged about his brother, Jim Penseyres, in my pre-ride blog.

Tomorrow, we're off to the Santa Monica Pier for the last day of the ride. I have to complete this ride. But, I have to tell you, I feel like road kill. Day 6 was a struggle with this cold. John Wordin keeps telling us the terrain is pretty flat except for specific spots. I have to remind myself there is a difference between normal flats and California flats. His definition of flat and mine are not the same, but he's a strong rider and I'm not.

If John is ever up in the San Francisco Bay Area with his bike he should take a ride in Alameda with Anthony, Barbara and I so we can show him what a true flat ride is in our wonderful city.

I have an urge to plug Bike Alameda (BA). BA is Alameda's cycling advocacy organization. I contribute having a great city to cycle in to BA. I also contribute to them the fact I gained more confidence on my bike after taking the classes they (and the East Bay Bicycle Coalition) offer. These classes are especially helpful and educational for the novice cyclist -- like me. To find organizations like that in your community get connected to the League of American Bicyclists.

I never knew you could cycle on Highway 1. What an experience. Kinda' scary. It was very comforting to know that we had the coolest people, the American Legion Riders, watching our back the entire route. American Legion Riders are combat veterans, predominately Vietnam, or they are related to a combat veteran.

The Ride 2 Recovery Golden State Challenge was on the Nightly News with Brian Williams. Go here and find the clips titled, "Veterans ride to recovery" and "For military, cycling's not for the bike." Check out those smiles! That's why I'm riding and one of many reasons I want to continue to support this awesome program.

The Ride 2 Recovery is a great way to help our military in their rehabilitation from physical and mental injuries while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. John explains why cycling is so beneficial in their recovery really well in the video.

Until next time, I'm still TREKkin' with America's finest.

Always,

Debi

AKA Deborah Palmer

Day 4 Pismo

2010-10-06T04:54:00.000-07:00

Ah, a much easier ride today. Although, I couldn't seem to get my legs warmed up because of the rain. I'm pretty darn sore.

When I called one of my favorite local bike shops prior to leaving, I asked if they had any rain gear and I was told it hadn't come in yet and not to worry it wasn't going to rain. Yeah, right. I should have fallen back on my military training and made sure I had it with me anyway. I should have taken the time to contact my other favorite store. I was struck by stupid and I'm paying for it. But, hey I was going to ride whether I'm wet or not. If our wounded warriors could handle the weather and living conditions in Iraq and Afghanistan, this noncombat vet can handle getting a little wet on this ride.

Lesson learned: Having your rain gear with you is like wearing a bike helmet. It's better to be wearing a helmet and not need it than need it and not be wearing one. Being without rain gear doesn't make cycling not doable, but I'd sure be more comfortable. You can ride a bike without a helmet, too; but it's much safer (and smarter) to ride with a helmet. Yep, I learned the helmet lesson the hard way -- literally. Asphalt doesn't give.

My legs didn't get warm until after lunch, but it was definitely more of a recovery ride after yesterday's grueling ride from Carmel to San Simeon. I'm still basking in the glory of my accomplishment. I am set on riding every mile of this ride. God willing.

We had a great dinner and I can't remember who hosted it, but the city of Pismo had the red carpet out for the Ride 2 Recovery. There was a very touching moment when John Wordin asked two Vietnam veterans to come forward and they presented them with the Ride 2 Recovery coin -- I think. I'm having a brain burp. Both men lost limbs in Vietnam and we gave them the standing ovation they deserved. You could see that they were a bit uncomfortable getting this type of attention, but it was so richly deserved. These guys are real role models for our wounded warriors. I was fighting back the tears because it was so emotional for me. It's rare that I feel true emotion other than anger since my brain injury, but this was a very, very special moment on this ride.

I was told at breakfast that someone had blogged about me on a R2R Facebook page so I got my computer out and read it. That was another almost brought to tears moment. I realized the blog is being written by Jason, the gentleman (US Army Signal Corps officer) who basically rode with Camille and I to the end of the route on yesterday's challenging ride from Carmel via Highway 1 and Big Sur to San Simeon. Camille is a very nice young female soldier that I had the pleasure to get to know some while riding to the finish line. OK, it's not a race, but ya' know what I mean. It touched me deeply when I read: "I'd take a bike ride with Debbie Palmer over Maria Menounos any day of the week." Maria Menounos is a young, very pretty and petite NBC reporter. That was quite a compliment.

Off to Solvang tomorrow on Day 5 of this amazing ride.

Until next time. I'm still TREKkin' with some pretty awesome and special people.

Always,

Debi

AKA Deborah Palmer

Day 3 - I survived the ride to San Simeon!

2010-10-05T05:56:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful and a very long and hard ride from Carmel to San Simeon, but, I made it! :-) Approximately the last 10 miles of the ride was in the rain.

I woke up about 2:15 this morning and I'm hoping to go back to sleep. I had to take my second All Day Strong Aleve. My muscles hurt! Talk about some awesome hills and descents. Of course, I'm not a fast descender and there were a lot of winding descents.

I just pulled my odometer off my bike:
Miles for the Carmel to San Simeon ride: 95.37; Average speed 11.6; Max speed: 30.3; Time on the bike for the ride: 8 hours and 11 minutes.

Two of my friends from Alameda are participating in the R2R, one is riding and the other volunteered to drive their vehicle and be a part of the SAG Team. I told Anthony I ended up riding in the rain and that people asked me if I wanted a ride the rest of the way and he said something like, there was no way anyone was going to pry Debi off that bike this close to the end. I told him they'd have to send John Wordin to get me off. ;-) I'd probably fight him tooth and nail. I want so bad to finish every day's ride.

The person who stayed with me from the time he road up on me was Jason. Often times stronger riders will give you a push on the back to help increase your momentum. Jason is an officer in the Signal Corps and stationed at Fort Knox, KY. Once he came on me he pretty much stayed with me. He often stopped to check on riders and then he'd catch up with me again. He knew how much I wanted to finish this ride. What a motivator. What a leader and what a great guy. I will never forget this young man.

I met some other strong riders who helped relieve Jason. I met David, a veteran and San Jose firefighter, another David, Gary and Stephen, an R2R mechanic. They helped me, too. Jason, both Davids, Gary and Stephen were instrumental in helping me get up the hills. I am very grateful for their support.

My primary motivation to finish this entire ride is knowing I'm riding for the men and women who are serving today and many who have sustained life changing injuries. This has been quite a challenge for those who have never been on a bike, but it is a great component of their rehabilitation and many of them are looking forward to the next ride.

I'm also riding for those who paid the ultimate price. There were a lot of times ascending the hills I would ask God to help me complete this ride because I really need to complete this ride for our military who can't.

The song, The Climb by Miley Cyrus ran through my head over and over, too.

. . . Ain't about how fast I get there,

Ain't about what's waiting on the other side

It's the climb . . .

I'm tired from all that TREKkin' so I need to try to get some more sleep. I'll get about 30 minutes of sleep before my alarm goes off and then we'll be headed to Pismo.

God bless America and God bless our military and their families.

Until next time.

Always,

Debi

AKA Deborah Palmer

Day 1 to Santa Cruz and Day 2 to Carmel

2010-10-04T21:59:00.000-07:00

We made it to Santa Cruz last night. It was somewhere between 70 - 73 miles. It took me approximately 6 hours and 10 minutes. What a ride, what an experience! I met a gentleman who gave me awesome tricks on preserving energy on the climbs. I will need that for our 92 mile ride to San Simeon.

Today, we rode 63 miles to Carmel. I rode the entire way both days without SAGing (cycling term) meaning needing to be picked up because your bike has had a mechanical problem; you've been injured; you just can't ride any further safely due to fatigue; or because of physical pain that could result in a serious injury.

The opportunity to meet the men and women serving today has made any pain I feel bearable. The support the American Legion, Ride 2 Recovery (R2R), USO and many local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)s are providing the participants is phenomenal. There are businesses like Otis Spunkmeyer and Hansen's Natural supporting this awe-inspiring rehabilitation and fundraising ride, also. I can't remember all of R2R's partners so be sure to visit R2R's "new" website.

Clint Eastwood who resides in the Carmel area wasn't available this year, but he informed his friend who is a Legionnaire (member of the American Legion) he would be available for the Ride 2 Recovery next year. Nonetheless, America's most important stars were there -- the men and women serving our country today.

I'm exhausted and elated because I haven't SAGed, yet. I've texted my Trainer every night to tell him how I'm doing. I have a lot to write about, but I need some sleep.

Night, night.

Tomorrow, I'll be TREKkin' again with a lot of wonderful people.

Always,

Debi

AKA Deborah Palmer

We're off . . . the Golden State Challenge has begun

2010-10-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

Pre-ride post . . .

The 2008 and 2009 Ride 2 Recovery (R2R) Golden State Challenges started at the San Francisco VA Medical Center, but we'll depart from the Holiday Inn near the San Francisco International Airport this year. There's a lot of construction around the hospital and that may be the reason, but don't quote me.

I received a call about 20 minutes before I was leaving to go to register and attend the pre-ride meeting and kickoff dinner. They had rooms for all the participants. We could go there and not have to get up as early the day of the ride. My two friends, one participating in the ride and the other volunteering, wanted to take advantage of being there the night before so we wouldn't have to rush back to Alameda after dinner and get up so early. In less than an hour I packed. First thing, in my luggage was my computer. I needed to get to this blog because I hadn't finished it and it was automatically set up to publish.

I should have printed my packing list before I put my computer in my luggage. Anyway, I left without some very important undergarments and my pajamas. Well, at least I didn't forget my bike. My friends would have noticed that I'm sure. When we get to Santa Cruz I definitely need to find a store.

The majority of the participants on this ride are new to this ride and/or cycling. I learned my roommate is cycling for the first time in 5 years. I also noticed I'll have the wimpiest bike on the ride. ;-) My dream bike is now the TREK Madone.

Oh, by the way, I had the honor of meeting Jim Penseyres. Today is his birthday and we sang Happy Birthday to him and another person involved with the American Legion. Jim is very involved with the Ride 2 Recovery; he's a Vietnam Veteran and a Purple Heart recipient. He lost part of his leg to a landmine in Vietnam. What an awesome role model for the men and women living with disabilities from combat in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Jim and his brother Pete Penseyres, set the Race Across AMerica (RAAM) record for the four-person Human Powered Vehicle. That record still stands.

I'll try to comment on how the ride is going was when I get to Santa Cruz, but no promises. Until you hear from me again, you know I'm honored to be TREKkin' Highway 1 to Los Angeles with the men and women serving this great nation and the men and women who are supporting them in this awesome rehabilitation and fundraising ride.

Always,

Debi

AKA Deborah Palmer

A great way to help America's injured military in their recovery

2010-08-31T09:24:00.000-07:00

Matthew Harris and I are still raising funds for the Ride 2 Recovery (R2R). Our goal is to raise $15,000 to further R2R's mission and goals. I introduced my cycling buddies who are helping me with my training in my blog about the first time I climbed Tunnel Road and I said in a previous blog, I’d introduce you to Matthew.

Introducing Matthew Harris

Matthew is a graduate student at the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP). I met Matthew when I spoke to his neuropsychology class about how a traumatic brain injury (TBI) changed my life.

You can read why Matthew wants to participate in the R2R here. (Scroll down to comments.)

How YOU can help US help America's injured military:

1. Make a personal donation. No donation is too small and every donation is equally appreciated. So far, donations have been anywhere from $5.00 - $250.00.

To donate online or obtain the address to mail a check or money order to sponsor Deborah Palmer, go here.

I acknowledge sponsors* on this blog UNLESS they request anonymity. I put only the first name and the initial of the last name unless I get approval and I don’t mention the amount donated.

2. Spread the word about the Ride 2 Recovery Program. Encourage your family, friends, co-workers and colleagues to donate. Ask THEM to help YOU spread the word and help US help America’s injured military.

The Internet is the cheapest, greenest and fastest way to spread the word. To learn what the Ride 2 Recovery (R2R) is all about, watch and read the following:

Watch the Ride 2 Recovery Legion Presentation to learn about this fundraising and rehabilitation ride;
Read the blog titled, No Arms, No Legs…No Problem to learn how Delvin McMillian, an Air Force veteran, learned of the Ride 2 Recovery and how the R2R modified a bike for him to participate;
Watch the video of the reception at Fort Hood on Facebook. See Delvin McMillian, the subject of the aforementioned blog, and many others riding their modified bikes in the Texas Challenge; and
Read the R2R 2009 Year End Report to learn how the R2R contributed to our injured military’s rehabilitation last year.

You can also link others to my first blog where I introduce the Ride 2 Recovery and I ask for a donation.

For those familiar with Twitter, Facebook, etc., will you kindly spread the word among your social network and link your contacts to this Blog or the Ride 2 Recovery (R2R) home page and ask them to sponsor Deborah Palmer here? I'm pretty ignorant about social media, but plan to get up to speed within the next year.

If you’re an individual willing to collect donations for this worthy cause, please consider using the 8.5 x 14 Flyer that has a place to add the name and phone number of the person collecting donations. Consider putting it up at your workplace and offering them to businesses you patronize that might be interested in raising money to help America's injured military.

For those you know who don't use the Internet, share with them the R2R Fundraising Flyer here.

If you are affiliated with an association, club, for profit or nonprofit business, will you pass the hat at social gatherings and meetings? You can mail a check or money order or use a credit card here.

Let me know via E-mail, if you'd prefer I come and pick up the funds you raise or talk to the group about why I'm participating and let me ask for donations. Please note I might be a little red and sweaty upon arrival because I may incorporate my training in by riding to your location ;-) unless it's in San Francisco. Cycling alone in SF is too scary for me.

3. Participate in the Chevys fundraiser in San Francisco on Thursday, September 9th and/or in Mountain View on Thursday, September 16th and/or the Applebees fundraiser in Alameda on Monday, September 20th. This is an opportunity to spend time with family and friends, contribute to the economy, but most of all contribute to the healing of America’s injured military.

I'd be very grateful if you'd download a few flyers and share them with your family, friends and coworkers or link them to the flyers via this blog.

Download flyers on this blog at the top left of the page under Fundraisers until the event. I will remove them after the event. You can also link to this information on the calendar, but PLEASE don’t forget to bring the applicable flyer!

I thank you in advance for considering a donation and/or participating in the Applebees or Chevys fundraisers to benefit this worthy cause.

Always,

Debi

AKA Deborah Palmer

NOTE: *If you have donated and did not request anonymity and have not been acknowledged, did you write Debi Palmer in the memo section of your check or money order? I should have registered with the name I usually sign my E-mails with and not my given name (Deborah Palmer). Please contact the R2R and let them know you intended to sponsor me and I'm sure they'll credit my fundraising. Thank you and I apologize for the inconvenience.

My bike and vehicle are a "No Phone Zone?" Are yours?
I signed Oprah's No Phone Zone Pledge. Have you? Will you?

Hills, hills and more hills

2010-07-29T15:12:00.000-07:00

If you're following my blog, let me start with the question that I said I'd answer in the last blog and didn't.

Will Debi be able to use clipless pedals?

I hinted that I had skinned up elbows and lots of bruises on my legs and butt in a previous blog. So, if you guessed Debi probably won't be using clipless pedals, you are right. I haven't given up totally, but I know I won't be wearing them on the Ride 2 Recovery (R2R) Golden State Challenge.

On Sunday, the day after my first ride up Tunnel Road, my Trainer and I went out to a baseball field for me to practice with the cleats. Marc pointed at the home base on the diamond and said that is the stop sign.

I kept running the stop sign while trying to get out of the cleats. I fell at least six times. I could see the frustration on Marc's face. Being the gentleman I know he is, I believe it bothered him when I fell.

On the way back to our neighborhood, I told him I'd practice while he and David were riding the next day. I didn't want to go with them because I was petrified to be wearing cleats and using clipless pedals on the path they were going to ride with all the bikes and pedestrians.

The next day I fell once, but I kept running the stop sign. It shook my confidence and fueled my fears of crashing. Thoughts of crashing through a stop sign on Snake Road or the red light at the end of that road haunted me throughout the day. I tried again the next day and fell on the sidewalk this time with knee and elbow pads. I finally made the decision I am not ready to wear them.

I need more experience on my bike and I need to get stronger riding. Marc offered to loan me pedals he had used for a short time. One side of the pedal is clipless and the other side is a platform pedal. I told him I might try them later.

Since that weekend, I've asked 3 of my cycling buddies how many times they fell learning to use clipless pedals? They all told me once or twice. Obviously, six times was not good.

I recall David telling me he rode the Tour of the California Alps Death Ride (129 miles) in Markleeville several years ago without clipless pedals, in a T-shirt and regular shorts. I'm pretty sure he used clipless pedals this year on the same Death Ride.

I think David said clipless pedals are of benefit to competitive racers and it makes it easier for those participating on long, hilly rides, but he doesn't think a cyclist has to wear them. He believes it's more important to wear sturdy shoes.

David and Marc use both toe clip and clipless pedals. I've seen David use platform pedals when he's riding with me. He knows he will be stopping more and it's a pain getting out of toe clip and clipless pedals. ;-) That I know. David loves building bikes and he has several beautiful bikes with various pedals.

Update on my training:

I can't begin to tell you how surprised I am that I'M actually CLIMBING HILLS! I'm not a fast climber and I've stopped to rest when needed, but I AM riding up and down hills. :-)

It wasn't until I told a friend I was planning to participate in the Ride 2 Recovery (R2R) Golden State Challenge that I was reminded of all the hills on Highway 1. Then, I realized I need to learn how to climb hills. After all, I live in flat Alameda and our biggest hill is Mount Trashmore.

It was too late to back out; I had already told John Wordin, Executive Director, Fitness Challenge Foundation and Ride 2 Recovery, that I was going to participate in the R2R.

I don't know why I was so scared of the hills, but I suspect my fear of having another traumatic brain injury (TBI) and my imagination got away with me. Cycling is a high risk sport especially when you're sharing the road with vehicles. I envisioned the Oakland Hills having these steep banks immediately at the edge of the roads. Silly me. I've driven through many states and there aren't many areas like that in the United States.

I may have lost count, but I know I've gone up Tunnel Road via Montclair and Lake Temescal, Skyline Road and back down to Montclair via Snake Road at least 4 times, on another trip up Tunnel, I road Skyline to Redwood Road and DOWN the steepest section of Redwood Road.

My friend David, also referred to as the Machine by our cycling buddies because of his strength and stamina for climbing, said he often rides up that stretch of Redwood Road. I can't imagine riding up that part of Redwood Road and I probably never will, but I can't really say never because . . .

I was certain I'd never like riding in the hills because of my fear of going down, but . . .

To my surprise, I love riding in the hills. Please note that enjoying riding in the hills doesn't mean that it is easy for me. It's really hard, but I like how I feel after I ride.

I have over 3,000 training miles on my bike and David suggested I change my tires. He suggested I change to a bit narrower and a lot lighter tire. What a difference a wheel makes. Changing the tires took a total of 1 pound and 1 ounce off my tires (8.5 ounces each). David said the type of tire and weight makes a big difference in climbing. Believe me, it did.

On Wednesday of last week, David and I started riding on a relatively new path near the Oakland airport to the San Leandro Marina. Then we headed for the hills. Some of the roads I recall being on were Estudilla Ave, Lake Chabot Road, 7 Hills Road and then we went on Redwood Road for 11 - 12 miles. On one of the roads, David said we are on a part of the route for the annual Grizzly Peak Century Ride he participated in May. He told me I'd probably want to sign-up for the Grizzly Peak Ride next year. Yeah, right. He was just kidding. But, ya' never know. I'm riding in the hills now! ;-)

I was exhausted by the time we got to Skyline. I decided I didn't want to go down that very steep stretch of Redwood Road because I was so tired. We went back to Alameda via Joaquin Miller Road and back roads David is familiar with. Most of that was down hill, too, but not as steep as that stretch of Redwood Road.

By the time we got back to Alameda we had ridden 40 miles. At least 30 of those miles included hills. I was excited from the accomplishment, but I was soooo physically and mentally exhausted.

I laid down for a nap, but woke up within 20 minutes because my buns were burning and I'm not talking about cinnamon buns in the oven. My butt, the back of my legs and my calves were experiencing the worst exercise burn I've ever felt. I took analgesics to help with the pain and inflammation the rest of the day and throughout the night and the next day. I also made the mistake of wearing my tennis shoes because I forgot to change in to my cycling shoes after walking the dog. I'm a supinator and my ankles really hurt after that ride, too.

David took my bike home that day to do some major maintenance on it. The next day was going to be a recovery day. I hurt, but it hurt so good.

I can understand why the military wants to get America's injured military in to cycling. I'm so happy I heard John Wordin speak and I'm grateful he invited the brain injury community to participate.

Many of us who have experienced a TBI suffer from depression due to changes in the brain and our lives. Cycling is such a feel good sport. It has made a difference in how I feel and it's much easier on my knees than walking or jogging.

Last Saturday was my most recent hill ride and it was a milestone.

David, Marc and I headed to Tunnel via Montclair and Lake Temescal. Keep in mind, I have a finely tuned bicycle with new and lighter tires.

On the way to Montclair I usually have to stop once or twice for a few minutes. The only stops I made that day were at red lights and stop signs. We spent an extra minute or two at a stop sign for Marc to turn off my back light. I must have accidentally turned it on or I just forgot to turn it off.

We stopped at the Montclair Playground to rest, fuel ourselves with food and water, and refill our water bottles. Then we headed for the Fire Memorial Platform.

I didn't stop until I got to the platform. Other times, I stopped once or twice and even walked a few steps on Broadway. We hydrated and refilled our water bottles and then we were off to Sibley.

I rode all the way to Sibley without stopping once! That was a personal best. I'm sure I was grinning ear to ear when I got to the top.

While I was basking in my glory ;-), and we were resting and hydrating our bodies, we discussed where we were going next. I wanted to go all the way to Golf Links on Skyline and Marc wanted to go up Grizzly Peak. David has ridden all over these hills for years and he didn't care where we rode.

Grizzly Peak it was! Marc only has the weekends to ride. I am so grateful for his time and support that it was more important we go where he wanted to go. Furthermore, I wanted to be able to say I'd ridden Grizzly Peak, too. ;-)

I am the luckiest gal in the world to have these awesome cycling buddies. They are gentleman. There are times they want to ride a little harder and faster than I can and I love to watch them, but when they do that, someone always circles back to check on me. They don't let me out of their site for very long.

We went to some beautiful area with an awesome view. I forgot what it was called. When we finally headed back home we came down at UC Berkeley and stopped to have a slice of pizza. I had a great tasting vegetarian pizza with all kinds of veggies on a wheat crust and Energy, my favorite flavor of Vitamin Water.

I wish I would have known Marc hadn't eaten breakfast before we left and I hope I would have remembered about the Alameda Firefighters fundraiser breakfast. We could have gone there first for a great breakfast to benefit the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation. I hope I don't forget it again next year.

I had a great day and a great ride with my cycling buddies. Grizzly Peak is beautiful. There were a lot more cars than I thought there would be.

I'm hoping my friends are available this weekend and we'll be able to do a 3 Bears Ride before it gets too hot.

Update on Fundraising:

To have the honor of riding with America's injured military, Matthew and I need to raise $3,200 each. So far, we only have $830.00. Can you help us by making a donation? You can sponsor Deborah Palmer here? If you send a check, please don't forget to add my name in the Memo. I am acknowledging donors here. I am notified by the R2R when anyone sponsors me. Please let me know if you would prefer anonymity.

I'm going to close asking you if you've signed Oprah's No Phone Zone Pledge?

Since I added Oprah's widget to my last post, the number of people who have signed the pledge has gone from 372, 000 or so to 380,542 the last time I looked. I assure you it's not because of my blog. ;-) Nonetheless, I hope you will link others to my blog titled, Have you signed Oprah's No Phone Zone Pledge?

I linked to 4 videos from Oprah's shows about two cyclists, a child and an adult, one was killed because one driver was talking on a cell phone and the other driver was texting. Two young ladies are now living with physical injuries and/or cognitive deficits from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) because someone was texting and driving ~ totally preventable injuries and senseless deaths.

I'm one of many cyclists probably blogging about distracted driving and the No Phone Zone Pledge, but well known and respected cycling organizations like the League of American Bicylists have blogged about distracted driving and Oprah's Campaign, too.

I don't want people texting and driving or using a cell phone without a hands free apparatus because my life could depend on it. I prefer no one drive and use a phone, but the hands free apparatus is acceptable with me provided both hands are on the wheel, eyes are on the road and you're not trying to do something else while driving, i.e., putting on makeup, shaving, etc.

A distracted driver is dangerous enough to other vehicles, but pedestrians and cyclists are no match with a vehicle.

Please make your car a No Phone Zone and "don't tempt fate, [because] that text or call can wait!". Lives depend on us being responsible drivers. Spread the word about Oprah's No Phone Zone Pledge to every driver and cell phone user you know.

Until next time, I'll be TREKkin', training and fundraising for the R2R Golden State Challenge.

Maybe, we'll cross paths in the hills. :-)

Always,

Debi

AKA Deborah Palmer

Have you signed Oprah's No Phone Zone Pledge?

2010-07-12T12:52:00.000-07:00

Visit Oprah's No Phone Zone website

You can probably tell I don't know a darn thing about art by looking at the sign above. I added text and a clip art picture of two cyclists to a picture of a sign that comes with MS Publisher, but I couldn't figure out how to angle the wording and the cyclists to go with the sign.

But, that's really not a problem because it's the message that counts.

I did not ask Oprah Winfrey for permission to put this sign up ;-). Please think of my sign as a way to get others linked to Oprah's No Phone Zone web page. This is a personal sign for my personal blog. However, I do wish, the Brain Injury Connection (BIC), the nonprofit I'm affiliated with or I could afford to put up similar signs in all communities. If I could, I'd start with the top 50 Bike Friendly Cities and the San Francisco Bay Area since that's where I reside. Of course, I'd get Oprah's blessing and professional advice on the wording and design, too.

Most people probably know Oprah Winfrey and Harpo Studios announced April 30, 2010 as the first National No Phone Zone Day. Oprah started a campaign to prevent distracted driving while using a cell phone and is encouraging drivers to make their car a No Phone Zone. Oprah is asking drivers to take the No Phone Zone Pledge and not talk on a cell phone UNLESS they pull over to a safe place and to NEVER, EVER text and drive!

Oprah provided the option of a hands-free apparatus if we MUST use our cell phone, but I believe Oprah would prefer we not use our cell phones at all while driving.

I live in California and our law dictates no messaging while driving and you're only allowed to talk while driving on a hands-free cell phone. The state of California is contemplating extending the cell phone law to cyclists. If you don't know the laws in your state, you can find them on Oprah's web site here.

No matter what the law is in your state, please consider doing what is safest while driving and that is to NOT be distracted by a cell phone while driving. Make your car a No Phone Zone!

I signed the Pledge. I will NEVER text while driving and I am committed to answering my phone only if I'm expecting a VERY important call and ONLY if I have a hands-free apparatus. I will pull over to the side of the road to continue my conversation and to initiate any call, if it's important.

I had a traumatic brain injury (TBI) after I went out riding my bike one evening. Luckily, I got off my bike in the middle of an intersection before I had the loss consciousness over asphalt. Unfortunately, I didn't use my brain and wear a helmet, but hurt my brain instead. It cost me more than a helmet; it changed me and my life.

I also know my injury could have been worse. It makes my stomach queasy thinking about the damage to a body and brain if a cyclist were catapulted from a bike by a vehicle that veers in to the cyclist's path because a driver is distracted while driving. Considering the average weight of a vehicle and the average weight of a human, the human on the bike will most likely lose the most (their life, or live with physical injuries and/or cognitive deficits for the rest of their life).

I recall Oprah showing a picture of a young man sitting on a rock at the end of one of her shows and she said he was cycling when he was hit and killed by a motorist on a cell phone. It's that picture and story that motivated me to write this blog. That incident is one of several that shook me to the core, especially since I got in to cycling in the past year. It showed me how vulnerable one is and how quickly someone could lose their life and/or take live(s) by simply being distracted by a cell phone.

The biggest challenge I have cycling is my fear of having another brain injury. I'm a helmet evangelist now and I always wear a helmet. Nonetheless, you can have still have a brain injury or even die from hitting your head even if you're wearing a helmet, especially if the vehicle is moving fast, you're thrown high and hit a hard surface (asphalt, car, concrete, etc.). Bicyclists are no match for a vehicle even with a helmet. But, let's not forget that less conspicuous falls can result in severe injuries or deaths, too. There is no cure for brain injury -- only prevention -- and not using a cell phone while driving is one way to prevent traumatic brain injuries and senseless deaths.

I saw the following stories on Oprah's show. They grabbed my attention because someone riding a bike was killed or someone lived and sustained a life altering traumatic brain injury. Note that both bicyclists could have died from a TBI and that approximately 52,000 people die every year from traumatic brain injury. Sadly, many of those deaths were preventable.

A Mother's Message About Driving and Cell Phones - A 9 year old on a bicycle and about 15 pedals from her home (the distance is mentioned in the show, titled America's New Deadly Obsession) was hit and killed by a driver in a SUV. The driver said she was distracted by her cell phone. A precious life was cut short and a family is left devastated from the loss of their child because of a driver on a cell phone.
Former Student Kills Teacher While Texting - A beloved 50 year old husband, father of 3, and teacher was hit and killed by a former student while riding his bicycle home. The driver was texting while driving and is now serving 5 years in prison.
A Distracted Driving Survivor Tells Her Story - Jacie just graduated from college and her parents gave her a card that read, "We're both so proud of you, we can die happy." Sadly, on their way home from the graduation ceremony, Jacie's parents died because of someone on a cell phone. Jacie was given a 10% chance to live and she did, but now she lives without her parents and with a traumatic brain injury. The death of her parents and her injuries could have easily been prevented by a driver simply staying off a cell phone.
Living with the Consequences of Texting and Driving - While texting and driving Bronte hit a tree and sustained a traumatic brain injury leaving her with cognitive deficits. She doesn't want what happened to her to happen to someone else and now it makes her mad when she sees people on their cell phone.

Now, will you sign the No Phone Zone Pledge?

If these stories and the many others on Oprah's No Phone Zone web page don't motivate you to not use a cell phone while driving I don't know what will. I personally couldn't live with myself if I killed or injured someone because I was distracted by something that could have waited. If you heard about Oprah's No Phone Zone Campaign, watched these videos and you're still willing to take a chance on driving and texting and not using a hands-free apparatus on your cell phone, you're probably a bit selfish and think about yourself before others.

Do you have a web site or blog? If so, please consider adding Oprah's NPZ widget to yours. The widget below is too large for this blog. The BIC will be adding it to our new (pending) site and I need to figure out how to add it to this blog. I am contacting the Oprah Show and suggesting another widget option – something that looks like a bumper sticker or license plate that links to the web page for the No Phone Zone Campaign.

As a brain injury survivor, cyclist and driver, I'm asking everyone who uses a cell phone to take the advice of safety advocates and experts and Oprah and PLEASE DO NOT text and drive and PULL OVER if you need to have a phone conversation, especially if you’re not using a hands-free device. The lives of the people we love (OUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS) and our own (YOU AND ME!) could depend on someone simply not being on a cell phone while driving.

The Ride 2 Recovery (R2R) Program is introducing many injured military to the world of cycling because it has proved beneficial in recovery and rehabilitation. Imagine a veteran surviving combat to come home to find joy in the physical and psychological benefits of cycling and ending up killed because someone was selfish and allowed their self to be distracted by a cell phone.

Let’s make cycling safe for all of us. Spread the word about this campaign to everyone you know who drives, has a cell phone and knows how to text and let's hope people will get it. I still see lots of people when I'm out riding using cell phones that aren't hands free and some texting. It definitely makes me nervous and ticks me off. I think we need to move the cost of the first ticket from $20.00 ($50 for each subsequent offense) to $250.00 and we might see more compliance with the law and maybe more enforcement. I'd like to think I'd be safer, if people were more motivated not to use their cell phone while driving because they could get caught and it would be very expensive.

In the event of an accident, for peace of mind, and to wear on the R2R, I ordered and now wear a Road ID® so that my medical history is available to emergency medical personnel and my family and medical provider can be notified immediately, if I were seriously injured or killed while out cycling.

Check out the testimonials on the Road ID® web site. If you’re interested in getting your own Road ID®, the first 20 people who order before August 2nd can get $1.00 off their order using the coupon number: ThanksDeborah782614.

I will start the blog about my experience with clipless pedals as soon as I can and I'll update you on my training. Until then, I'll keep TREKkin' and training for the R2R Golden State Challenge.

Matthew and I have raised $830.00 so far, but we both need to raise $3,200 (Total of $6,400 and our goal is $15,000) by October 3rd to have the honor of riding with America's injured veterans from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Can you help us by making a donation of any size to sponsor Deborah Palmer in the Ride 2 Recovery (R2R) Golden State Challenge?

I'm also working on a blog for the Brain Injury Connection web site where I am commenting on a joint investigative report titled, "Brain Wars" published by National Public Radio and ProPublica. The report discusses the military's response to medically defined mild traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and the lack of treatment for America's wounded warriors with these injuries. Writing is more challenging since my brain injury, but I'm hoping to get it finished within the month.

I'm going to close quoting Oprah's last sentence on the show titled, America's New Deadly Obsession:

"Don't tempt fate; that text or call can wait!"

Always,

Debi

AKA Deborah Palmer

My cycling buddies and I were only going to Montclair . . . ended up on Tunnel (Debi's 1st time)

2010-06-11T19:30:00.000-07:00

I rode 22 - 32 miles a day pretty much the week of May 24th - 29th. My two cycling buddies and I decided we should go to Montclair on Saturday (May 29th). They know my goal is to participate in the Ride 2 Recovery Golden (R2R) State Challenge (Oct 3-9, 2010) and they were aware I had difficulty on my last trip up to Montclair.

About my two cycling buddies:

Marc is my new neighbor and friend I refer to as my Trainer. I was walking past his house shortly after I returned from visiting my family and friends in the Midwest and I saw his two bikes (a road and hybrid). I stopped to talk to him because I had started cycling to train for the Ride 2 Recovery (R2R). I tried to recruit him to be a Cyclefest Event Director for the R2R, but the Coast Guard keeps him busy.

In August 2009, Marc told me one day his plans had changed and he asked me if I'd like to go cycling. We did and we started riding together when we didn't have other plans. I dubbed him as my Trainer after I learned he had participated in the Face of America Ride. That ride is similar to the Ride 2 Recovery Challenges except the Face of America Ride is a 2 day ride and the Ride 2 Recovery Challenges are 6 or 7 day rides, 350 - 450 miles..

David is my other friend and cycling buddy; he's the son of another neighbor and friend. I'll refer to David with the nickname my Trainer gave him after he went riding with him in the Oakland Hills. My Trainer said David is a Machine. His stamina and strength for climbing is what earned him that nickname. I got the idea of giving my friends nicknames from Fat Cyclist, a blog I enjoy reading.

The Machine has rebuilt and painted several antique road bikes; they are so beautiful and detailed. He's so meticulous. I asked him how he'd describe himself regarding his work on bikes and he said he considers himself a Tinkerer. Referring to him as a Tinkerer doesn't give credit to his understanding of the engineering and mechanics of bicycles or his artistic talents so I personally like Machine better than Tinkerer.

We started riding occasionally around September of 2009. It's usually after he wears himself out spinning and/or swimming at the gym and/or running and/or cycling in the Oakland Hills or he's just taking a day off and he wants to go on a more leisurely ride because I'm NOT a machine. ;-)

David rode with me the first time I went to Montclair. Not only did I surprise myself on accomplishing that trip, but I think I surprised him, too. Nonetheless, this fat chick is not to be confused with the Fit Chick. ;-)

I've learned a lot from both of my friends. They've been a Godsend for my training. They also make my training more fun. I am one lucky gal. However, I'm not sure they feel the same way; I've seen their eyes roll back in their head and a frustrated look on their faces a few times. ;-) Let's just say they're good sports and good people. I am very blessed to know them.

Back to our current trip to Montclair

I made it to Montclair! It was tougher than when I went up the first time with David. David told me he could tell that I was stronger last year before my time off the bike for the arthroscopic knee surgery, rainy weather and a horrible cold.

We stopped a couple times on the way up to allow me to catch my breath. We took a major pit stop at the Montclair Playground to rest, nourish ourselves with the food of our choice, hydrate and refill our water bottles.

One of them asked me if I would like to go to Lake Temescal. I knew they really wanted to go and I was game, although deep down inside I was very nervous about going because of my lack of stamina. Heck, I felt lucky to get to Montclair.

Before we left, I asked them to confirm my brakes were fine. I definitely understand the concept of checking the brake pads to ensure they're not worn and grip the wheel. My Trainer and the Machine are both mechanically inclined. I was confident if they said my brakes were OK, they would be OK.

I was assured my brakes were fine and we were off. Let me state anything could happen even if we checked my brakes thoroughly because "stuff happens;" however, checking my brakes lessens the likelihood anything would happen and I have peace of mind.

Next stop: Lake Temescal

The ride from Montclair to Lake Temescal wasn't bad and consisted of a lot of down hill. I was taking note of the fact I'd probably be going back up them and I was already dreading that. At Lake Temescal we got on the bike path and stopped at Broadway. We rested a bit and they encouraged me to go a little farther to Tunnel Road. I was probably experiencing that endorphin high that makes you feel good, but maybe in my case not necessarily think clearly. ;-)

There were a couple of brief stops and a lesson on how-to make it easier to start climbing on the way to Tunnel. I sure hope I'll remember to do it when I need to.

Next stop: Fire Memorial Platform on Tunnel Road

I lost my momentum when I was taking the right off Caldecott Lane to Tunnel Road when a cyclist in front of me was going too slow, because he was climbing from the other direction. My part of the street was flatter and I was going faster. I ended up having to get off my bike (or fall off) and walk up to the platform. I don't think I moved in to my climbing gears fast enough. It didn't help that I was exhausted, too.

I recall the previous week David and I went from Alameda to Montclair, around Lake Temescal and up Tunnel Road, to Skyline, down Snake, around Joaquin Miller Road, Redwood Road, and back to Alameda. Oops, better not forget to mention we rode in his car. That would be an impressive bike ride, eh? David could do it, not me.

David pointed and said to me that's Tunnel Road. I felt lightheaded and queasy for a second and then I said or maybe just thought I'll never get up that hill and I'm certainly not going down it. He laughed and pointed to the right and said, No, not really; Tunnel is to your right. I'm pretty sure I breathed a sigh of relief. He was initially pointing to Hiller Drive.

NOTE: I'm not using quotations because I don't recall anything verbatim.

At the Fire Memorial Platform on Tunnel Road

We're refueling (water and food) when my two cycling buddies inform me they're going up Hiller Drive and to wait here. Did I hear them right? Yep, and watching them go up made me queasy and watching them come down I got nauseous and my knees got weak. They stopped and discussed their climb and descent and rested for a bit when Marc suggested we go up a mile or so on Tunnel. I'm pretty well rested by then. I said, OK. Again, I probably wasn't thinking clearly. ;-)

Tunnel Road

So, we're going up Tunnel, and I have no recollection of what possessed me to continue, but the decision was made that we'd move forward on Tunnel to Skyline and not return to Alameda via Lake Temescal. My Trainer and the Machine were encouraging and they told me I could stop whenever I needed to. My Trainer told me several times to slow down -- probably on the flats -- to preserve my energy for the climbing. I doubt I was climbing fast.

My left calf cramped horribly at one point and I had to walk a bit. My Trainer estimated with his bike computer that it was about a tenth of a mile or so.

On Sunday, my left cheek -- and I'm not referring to the one on my face -- and my left calf were sore. I suspect it's because my dominant side is my right side and the left side of my body is weaker. Monday my whole body was aching and it wasn't necessarily from all the climbing. I'll tell you a bit about my experience with clipless pedals in my next blog. At this point, I don't feel confident I'll be able to become proficient in them.

Skyline Drive

I don't remember where Tunnel meets Skyline, but I sort of recall an area where my Trainer and I stopped the first time we rode Skyline past Grizzly Peak Blvd. He drove to Skyline and Joaquin Miller Road and we cycled about 14 miles along Skyline (approximately 7 miles each way) a few days before my arthroscopic surgery in January.

My Trainer and the Machine had to stop several times for me. I told other riders going past us that this was my first time up Tunnel. I recall one person told me it will get easier and another said you're more than halfway. The cyclists I spoke to were very encouraging and nice.

While riding towards Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve, we saw a sign that told us to smile. The sign's purpose was to let you know there is a security camera in the vicinity. We all waved and smiled. Of course, I was smiling because I knew we were coming up on Sibley.

As we were about to cross Grizzly Peak Blvd, I was asked if I wanted to ride up Grizzly. I said no and probably rather emphatically. The endorphin high was wearing off and the fatigue was coming on. I knew I wasn't ready, but I told them if they wanted to go, I'd be happy to wait for them at Sibley :-).

Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve

I was never so happy to see Sibley, a major rest stop for cyclists riding in the Oakland Hills. We rested and refueled. I talked to two gals just before they left out of Sibley about their experience with cleats. I was hopeful.

We headed home after a nice break, but not the 30 minute nap I would have preferred. ;-) I heard my Trainer and the Machine discussing that we'd be going down Snake Road. I reflected back to the drive around the hills with David last week and I wasn't thrilled about it, but . . . I'm a trooper. I wasn't going to rain on their parade. For a second or two, I envisioned me panicking and walking down Snake Road.

Skyline to Snake Road

As we're leaving Sibley, I had a quick talk with God and one of the things I told him was I'm in your hands and if you're ready for me, PLEASE make it quick and not painful.

I reflected back to a conversation via personal message with an experienced cyclist on Team Alameda. I recall telling him that when I went to Montclair for the first time, I forgot once I got to the top I had to come down. I asked him something like how slow could I go down hills? I was glad I couldn't see his eyes when he read that. I bet his eyes rolled back in his head. Duh! I was struck by stupid. He told me to use my brakes to go whatever speed I'm comfortable with. Hence, I'm obsessed with knowing my brakes should work.

My cycling buddies told me the same thing; they've contributed immensely to my learning how-to use my gears. However, several times I've had a CRS (can't remember stuff) moment and moved my gears in the wrong direction and that can definitely complicate climbing.

During the ride to Snake Road I was working on calming myself and I reflected back to what Cathy Dana, a specialist in touch hypnotherapy, hypnomassage and trauma told me and a neuropsychologist told me.

I shared with my doctor friend my new love for cycling mixed with fears of another brain injury; he reminded me that "Life's a risk!"

As we're turning on to Snake Road, I'm thinking about my sessions with Cathy. I learned about Cathy from Team Alameda's awesome Ride Captain, one of my favorite bloggers and her wonderful husband. I mentioned on their forum my fears of having another TBI. I met with Cathy and she was very helpful. Cathy has worked to help me deal with my fears. I can't explain the concept, but it's working.

For many months, I had nightmares where I was crashing in to a car. I can't recall exactly right now what prompted them, and maybe it was just my fears of having another TBI while out riding. The cars were usually red and I never hit them in the dream, but it would wake me up abruptly and I'd have difficulty going back to sleep.

I've only had one nightmare like that since the last time I saw Cathy and that was right after a young man was doored (driver opens car door in the path of cyclist) and he was thrown in the path of a bus. He died shortly thereafter. My heart goes out to the cyclist's family and the bus driver who has to live with this awful experience. You can access the article for a price here. :-( For Californian's who drive and/or cycle in CA there's valuable safety information on DMV's web site here.

Cathy loaned me her book titled, "Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma." I'm struggling to read it because my concentration and comprehension sucks. I keep having to start over. It doesn't help that I usually start reading it when I'm laying down to go to sleep. I need to get it back to her and buy my own book.

Snake Road

I got up to 20 miles per hour going down Snake Road and as I was going down I kept myself calm and alert with what was around me and the panic I envisioned never came to fruition. Thank you Cathy!

The death of the doored cyclist has reminded me I must be vigilant about monitoring how close I am to parked cars and check if there's a driver in the car if possible. I know a driver in the car ups the ante the door could open and if the car is running it could be moved into your path.

My hands were quite numb by the time I got down to Mountain Boulevard, but I was in control of my speed. Thank you TA "Got Gears" Guy, Trainer and Machine.

Back in Montclair

We stopped for a lunch. I can't remember what I ate, but I enjoyed the lemonade and I felt good, but tired.

I don't know what possessed me to do that entire route because it wasn't planned, but I have no regrets. That was the ride of my life! Sure, I had to stop a lot, but I did it! Thank you Trainer and Machine.

Knowing I had two very supportive, skilled and rather patient gentlemen with me was very encouraging and I felt safe. I am grateful to have these two awesome friends to ride with and it's with their support and encouragement I will be ready for the Ride 2 Recovery Golden State Challenge. THEY ARE THE BEST!

I know if I had planned to go to Montclair and back to Alameda via Lake Temescal, up Tunnel, across Skyline and down Snake, I would have taken off my U-bar lock, cable and lights. Next time.

I am raising funds to benefit the R2R Program, and it includes building special bikes for our injured military. If you haven't already, will you help me? Please go here to find out how-to donate online or where to mail a check to sponsor Deborah Palmer.

The next blog will answer the question: Will Debi be able to use clipless pedals? Hint: Debi has skinned up elbows and lots of bruises on her legs and butt.

Until next time, I'll keep on TREKkin' and training.

Always,

Debi

AKA Deborah Palmer

Why I'm participating in the Ride 2 Recovery (R2R) Golden State Challenge, and an update on my training and fundraising

2010-05-19T14:57:00.000-07:00

I learned about the Ride 2 Recovery (R2R) at the Bay Area Brain Injury Task force (BABIT) Resource Fair last May. John Wordin, Executive Director, Fitness Challenge Foundation, was the guest speaker; he invited the brain injury community to participate in the R2R because he saw the positive effects of cycling on America's injured military.

I started riding shortly thereafter and more regularly in July after visiting family and friends in the Midwest.

I can personally attest to the therapeutic effects of cycling. I sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in 1992 and it changed my life forever. I'm a noncombat veteran (1975 - 1978) and I had many years, approximately 13 or so, towards retirement in the Army Reserves.

I resigned my commission after I realized I could not do what I could do pre-injury and before I wouldn't be selected for promotion. After my brain injury, I could not focus and concentrate to finish the education requirements (1 class) and I voluntarily transferred myself from my reserve unit to the individual ready reserve with the hopes that I would get better. I usually barely met the military weight requirements and a few times I didn't. After I went on the seizure and antidepressant medications, the pounds accumulated. The abnormal fatigue after the brain injury didn’t help either.

The R2R is the perfect fundraiser for me. The funds and ride directly benefit our military personnel and it will be an honor for me to participate in this ride with those who have served our country in time of war. Furthermore, I'm personally going to take advantage of the endorphin high that I have experienced with cycling. It's better than any antidepressant I have tried.

I will be riding for the men and women who paid the ultimate price of war and those who are living with combat injuries, including post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury (TBI), the "signature wound" of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

To learn more about TBI in the military go here:

The New England Journal of Medicine
In USA Today, Pentagon Focuses on Brain Trauma

In my previous blog where I introduce you to the Ride 2 Recovery, I told you I'd update you on my training and fundraising.

Update on my training:

I was off my bike often during the winter due to inclement weather; for about 8 weeks after the meniscus surgery on January 15th; and 2-3 weeks in April due to a horrible cold. The last week of April I road for about an hour to 1 1/2 hours daily, if it didn't rain. Starting May 1st, I rode 20 miles every day I could. Last week my goal was 25 miles a day. It rained one day and I only got 8 miles in and the next day I only got in 15 miles because I went out riding too late and had an appointment that day.

On Saturday, May 15th, I went riding with my Trainer to Montclair. The route is a continuous, gradual, low grade climb. For an inexperienced cyclist like me, the ride to Montclair is good training.

Bad news - I couldn't make it all the way. I would have needed at least one 20 - 30 minute stop and I didn't want to keep my Trainer waiting so I urged him to go on and I waited for him.

Good news - I had no problem with the knee I had the arthroscopic surgery. Unfortunately, I did feel a few twinges of pain in my left knee and that's probably arthritis.

I'll start climbing to Montclair daily when there's no chance of rain. I was going to wait until June, but the fact I had problems with the last climb and I'm experiencing no pain in my right knee that is a good sign to me that the time for me to start climbing again is NOW.

The first time I went to Montclair I went with my other biking buddy. I made it to the top with one stop to take off my sweatshirt and another when my chain partially fell off my gears. Believe me, I was grateful for those stops. I did make it to the top. I had been riding at least 3 months regularly before I ventured to Montclair for the first time.

I have lost a lot of strength and stamina since the surgery. After we returned to very flat Alameda, we rode some of the Island and went our separate ways at a certain point because I wanted to get in 8 more miles and my Trainer needed to get home.

Within 5 - 10 minutes I had my first flat tire while I was out by myself. I saw the broken glass too late and I couldn't go around it due to traffic. It was the rear tire and I knew that was going to be a challenge. I called both of my biking buddies to ask them to talk me through changing my tire. Neither were available when I first called. Then, I had an aha moment and remembered I was going to take a flat changing class at Alameda Bicycle the next day. I managed to reach both of my friends when I called back to leave a message telling them I decided to change it in the class I was taking the next day. Being the gentlemen and wonderful friends they are, they both would have could come help me. I declined their generous offers and I took my bike to a friend's house because it was closer to the bike store than my house.

I wondered what the instructor would think when I brought in an actual flat tire. The instructor had no problem with it and it was great hands on training.

However, I still need to learn how to patch a tire. My two cycling buddies have shown me, but I really need to do some things a lot myself to retain the procedure. Taking off a rear bike tire, adding a new tube and putting it back on is going to be one of those things I'll need to do more.

Fundraising:

I have acknowledged the very special people and businesses that have sponsored me to date here. The first 9 donors have collectively contributed $480.00 to this wonderful cause.

My birthday is May 28th! I sent another E-mail out to my online address book and asked people to consider donating $5.30 in honor of my birthday to benefit our wounded military. Since I decided to ask people for a birthday present, the chorus of the song, "You're So Vain" by Carly Simon keeps popping in my head. That song is representative of my age. It was a #1 hit two and 1/2 years before I graduated high school in 1975. No, I didn't remember the year the song was #1. I Googled it.

So, IF YOU CAN and you haven't donated already, WILL YOU SPONSOR ME? (Deborah Palmer) in the Ride 2 Recovery (R2R) Golden State Challenge by making a $5.30 donation online or mail a check or money order here?

Of course, if you can and want to, you can make a larger donation, say $53.00, $530, or $5,300. Your wallet, and your contacts and their wallets are your limit. I hope you will collect donations among your family, friends, coworkers and colleagues, and don’t forget to ask your employer if they have a donation matching program.

Have you figured out how old I will be, yet? ;-)

WILL YOU SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THIS PROGRAM?

Maybe, E-mail my blog to at least 53 people or more. Not only will you help me raise funds for MY birthday ;-) for a very worthy cause, but you will raise awareness about this program and the benefits of cycling for everyone.

WILL YOU:
1. Keep the R2R participants in your prayers;

2. Pray that Debi and Matthew meet their goal;

3. Share a positive thought via the guest book; and

4. Spread the word about this awe-inspiring program?

There will be others out there who can and will want to donate. It’s just a matter of connecting them to this awesome program. Do you know someone who has served in the military, do you know someone who knows someone who is serving now, do you know someone who enjoys cycling, etc.?

Imagine if 300 organizations or individuals raised $53.00 by “passing the hat” and asking 10 family members, friends, colleagues, or coworkers to donate $5.30 or 53 people to donate a $1.00.

Matthew and I could raise $15,900.

Matthew and I are raising funds together. I'll introduce everyone to Matthew who will be participating in the R2R and my cycling buddies who have been major support for me in my training in a future blog. Matthew commented in the last blog as to why he wants to participate here. Scroll down to the bottom of the blog to read his comments.

Matthew's and my goal is $15,000, but we could actually exceed that if every individual and/or organization I send this E-mail raises $53.00 and connects their contacts to this awesome program. It’s all about connecting with a lot of people to find a few with a big heart and who want to support America's injured military by:

Donating a few dollars, and
Spreading the word to others by sharing this blog.

Please remember no donation is too small and every donation is equally appreciated. I found an interesting article on the Internet on “How to Save Five Dollars a Day.” You know I'm playing on my birthday by requesting a $5.30 donation.

It would mean a lot to me to know through our (Matthew’s, yours and mine) fundraising, we are contributing to our military personnel’s healing and they’re being introduced to a wonderful “feel good”

sport.

Many of the bikes are adapted by the R2R to accommodate veterans with physical injuries. If you haven’t already, please read the blog titled, No Arms, No Legs…No Problem and watch the video on Facebook of the reception at Ft. Hood for the Ride 2 Recovery (R2R) "Don't Mess with Texas" Challenge wounded warriors here.

Delvin McMillian, the subject of the blog, is riding in the "Don't Mess with Texas" Challenge. Check out his smile! The picture of Delvin in the blog is worth a thousand words.

The video of the reception captures the results of the hard work and commitment of the Fitness Challenge Foundation Board of Directors, staff, and R2R sponsors and volunteers to get the military men and women involved in cycling. The return on the investment (ROI) in our injured military is priceless and the heartwarming smiles are the result of an experience contributing positively to their recovery. Yes, that's Delvin with the million dollar smile riding with his new modified bike. Did you see all the beautiful smiles in the video?

I recently added a guest book on this blog and I would be honored if you sign it. Please consider including a positive message you'd like me to share with the participants, especially our wounded warriors. I'll print it out for John Wordin and the participants on the ride.

Just incase the wrong kind of attitude comes across my blog and wants to comment or sign my guest book with mean statements, I will not publish it. If you have something you feel is important to say, write a letter to the editor of your local or a national newspaper. This is my personal blog. Please remember what your Mom should have taught you and that is if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all.

In closing, I can't believe I'm telling the world via the Internet what my age is -- well sort of. I’m sure you’ve guessed my age by now. Obviously, this cause means a lot to me. Can't ya' tell? That's a rhetorical question.

Happy Birthday to me! Happy Birthday to me! How old am I? ;-)

Until next time, I'll keep on TREKkin' and training.

Always,

Debi

AKA Deborah Palmer

Welcome to Debi's Place; I'd like to introduce you to the Ride 2 Recovery!

2010-05-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my new place in cyberspace. My name is Deborah Palmer, AKA "Debi." I set this blog up to talk about my training and fundraising for the Ride 2 Recovery (R2R) Golden State Challenge and other matters I'm passionate about.

Initially, I was going to name my blog "Fat Chick," but I figured it was too close to the names of two blogs I recently started following: Fat Cyclist and Fit Chick. Oh, but so apropos would that blog title be considering I found most of the 23 lbs I lost after I started riding my bike last summer. I lost the weight riding without dieting and gained weight back because I wasn't riding. I knew better.

Update on my training:

Due to inclement weather and an arthroscopic knee surgery for a torn meniscus, I rode my bike very little during the holidays and only 11 times since March 15th.

On Saturday, April 3rd, I rode 31.5 miles with two riding buddies over the Golden Gate Bridge to the Larkspur Ferry. My knee fared well, but the time off the bike affected me physically because I didn't have the strength and stamina I had in November. The evening of April 5th, I rode about 14 miles with my riding buddy I affectionately refer to as "my Trainer." Within an hour returning from that ride I was freezing to the bone and later that night I realized I had a fever.

I was off my bike most of the month of April because that horrible cold lingered; it's a challenge to ride when your nose is running and you can't catch up with it and your lungs are filled with phlegm. Kinda' makes it difficult to breathe. It's also very distracting and not very lady-like wiping your nose with your clothes and spittin' out yucky stuff while riding.

I have until October 3rd to get in shape for the Golden State Challenge; it is a 7 day approximately 460 mile bicycle ride from the San Francisco VA Medical Center to the Los Angeles VA Medical Center.

The following is a presentation about the R2R Program on You Tube:

To see more videos about the R2R Program, go to You Tube and do a search using the words "Ride 2 Recovery" or "RoadtwoRecovery."

From the Ride 2 Recovery home page, there is a link to a blog titled, No Arms, No Legs…No Problem. It's a must read to give you an idea of what the Ride 2 Recovery Program is doing for our injured veterans. If it doesn't give you warm, fuzzy feelings about this program, I don't know what will.

Click on the Ride 2 Recovery's 2009 Year End Report to learn about this awesome program's accomplishments.

You can subscribe to their mailing list (top, right of the R2R home page) and receive the blogs/newsletters they send out every day during the R2R rides. Be sure to check out the Press page on the R2R web site, too.

I trust you will find the aforementioned information touching and inspirational. I hope it will motivate you to make a donation to this worthwhile program.

Fundraising:

In order to participate in the R2R, participants have to raise a minimum of $3,200; however, $15,000 is the goal. I will be working with another person to raise the $15,000 and we need all the help we can get.

I will be raising funds with Matthew Harris, a PhD candidate specializing in neuro-psychology. Matthew is the son of a military pilot who died in a plane crash and his brother is currently serving in the military.

To raise $15,000, Matthew and I need to recruit 300 people and/or entities to raise a minimum of $50.00.

Will you support America's injured military by sponsoring me [First name: Deborah, Last name: Palmer] and make a minimum $5.00 online donation or send a check or money order to the address here?

Will you connect everyone in your online address book to this blog? Will you print out the flyer here and share it with your community? Will you recruit at least 9 people to make at least a $5.00 donation and ask them them to recruit their family, friends, colleagues and co-workers to donate and raise funds for this awesome program.

I thank you for your consideration in helping Matthew and I raise funds for this worthy cause.

Until next time, I'll keep on TREKkin' and training.

Always,

Debi

AKA Deborah Palmer

P.S. In my next blog, I'll discuss what it means to me to participate in this fundraiser and I'll ask Matthew to tell me what it means to him.