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SBRA Training Week One.
I enjoyed SBRA Century Training so much last year with Bob and Josie....that this year in addition to taking pictures, I decided to write a little something about this wonderful experience. I guess when one becomes obsessed about biking...riding just isn't enough. You talk about it, you read about it and then you have to write about it. So, with a great foundation behind me....this year I will be training with Bruce Presner and the 'B' Riders.
Anyway, I will fill you in on this week's training, but first I will tell you a little something about myself. I guess you could say I've always enjoyed biking. My first bike was a 10 speed Schwinn purchased with my confirmation money. Back then, it seemed like alot of money, but I just had to have it. I guess what was really neat about riding was I could go out with my friends or I could go out on my own. Either way...it was always an adventure and a great way to explore new places. I remember crossing over town lines and trying to get lost...but when you grow up on Long Island....you always come back to a main road.
OK, let's get back to Week One Training.
Bruce did a great job. The one thing that really stood out was his emphasis on "group" training. We are a group and we need to ride like a group. And that means looking out for one another. By making sure we inform the riders up and down the line about obstacles, slow downs and stops, we instill a confidence that we are not alone and that we have eachother's back. Even though we were a large group, he was almost always aware and / or in contact with the other's to ensure the group would arrive safley back to our start point.
After training as a beginner last year, I was concerned about training with the "B" riders. After all, as you move up the chain the club does not always ride an "honest" pace and we can loose sight of looking out for others ( yes I have been found guilty on occasion). So needless to say, I was happy to see that our ride leader was consistant. It may not mean that much to you, but after talking with Mom, she was thrilled and relieved that such a philosphy exists. After all, it can be dangerous on the roads...and our loved ones do worry.
I've learned that riding involves both physical and mental abilities. I love that I am constantly being challenged to learn more about myself and others. And even though we ride as indivuduals....we are never alone.
I look forward to a safe and rewarding 2009 season.
Thanks for listening / reading... and enjoy the photo's.
Janine
3 comments:
Thanks for reminding us that we usually start at the bottom and work our way up...And even though we ride as indivuduals....I hope no one is ever alone.
"How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, symathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak & the strong~
because, someday in life you will have been all of these".
Keep up the good word...
I hope to feel the breeze in my
hair, and shorts soon...
Sooo, keep riding, for we are all just riding through this life so make it a good ride...
Namaste',
Kathleen
Janine, you have created a wonderful blog site. Is "blog site" the correct terminology? I have enjoyed reading your blog and viewing your great pictures. Your blog message reminded me of how much I loved my bike, 100 yrs ago, when I was just a young kid. I had a single speed coaster brake JC Higgins bike. I treasured that bike. Like you, I loved the freedom I had to explore on my own wherever I could pedal. 100 yrs later I have a car and can go anywhere I please with the greatest of ease and here I am back on the bike.
Barbara Braun
Not being able to get out to LI to enjoy every SBRA ride it's great to see your photos and read your comments. Hope you don't mind I've become a follower of you blog to enjoy the rides virtually.
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