14 December 2010

3,000-mile Smile


Made it!

I had envisioned doing 47 miles again last weekend, and then I'd be 11 miles over my goal with two weeks of 2010 pedaling to go and Waterton Canyon re-opening for a month next weekend. Unfortunately, we literally ran out of daylight during our milestone ride, so all I got was exactly 26 miles, every single mile I needed, down to the last drop. I'm there. I did it.

This was my best year since surgery in 2004. I biked a total of 1,824.8 miles in 2008. Last year I got in only 1,167 miles because I let too many other commitments gobble up all my free time. The Lizard, on the other hand, hit 3,000 miles on the final weekend of 2009, and that after a training-related injury kept him off his bike for two months. Plus, we moved, which kept us off our bikes a couple more months. If he could do it, so could I. So I set my 2010 goal for 3,000. And now I've done it. I don't know that you'll be able to wipe this 3,000-mile Smile from my face!

My road bike definitely isn't going to take a break for the rest of the year, and it actually may be in service a lot longer than I anticipated after losing the derailleur during Ride the Rockies last June. We had planned to retire my road bike to the indoor winter trainer when we learned it would cost only a couple hundred dollars more to buy a new bike than it would cost to rebuild the old one. The economy being what it is, buying a new bike might not be a wise use of funds. And now I've grown accustomed to the rough shifting of the mountain bike derailleur currently powering my road bike. I can get by another year if needed.

Six years ago, I wasn't sure I'd be able to ride anymore, much less the distances I thrived upon and enjoyed. Recovery from life-changing emergency back surgery took a lot longer than I anticipated. In a way, I was just like my bike is now. Parts inside me didn't work as smoothly as they used to and the way I wanted them to, but I kept using those old parts. Didn't really have a choice! New parts were not available!

After losing running and continuously struggling with descents while hiking, thanks to my defective parts, I was determined not to lose riding, too.

My neurologist back then said I wouldn't be able to wear a fanny pack anymore, and I likely wouldn't be able to wear a backpack. Fanny packs are so yesteryear, I don't mind losing them. After years of forcing the issue, I finally carry my own backpack. On my back. (I used to carry it on my front or over just one shoulder if my back rebelled too much.)

I figure if my back can handle what I'm putting it through, the road bike can, too. This bike has a lot of emotional investment, and it's stuck with me through thick and thin, plus a couple of good wipe-outs. I've even joined the OTBSC on it. Don't ask, 'cuz I ain't tellin'!

So I'm going to follow The Lizard's 2010 lead... his goal this year was 4,000 miles, and he reached it in 10 months. So my goal in 2011 is 4,000 miles. But I'll take the whole year! No point in rushing things!

18 comments :

  1. I knew it! Wonderful smile!Kisses.

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  2. Congratulations, and what a great photo!

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  3. What a milestone, not only in the amount of miles but what you have physically overcome. You are one amazing gal with all you do and I am so happy for you that you have accomplished such a feat. You are an inspiration to say the least. Blessing to you and all your future endeavors.

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  4. Oh my gosh, you are AMAZING!!! Congratulations!

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  5. Bravo, you have the SISU.

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  6. Congratulations! I *knew* you would do it. I didn't know you'd pull it off by such a tight margin, but hey- that's half the fun, right?

    Well done, my friend. Very well done.

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  7. Congratulations, Deb! I never had any doubts. :-) You've come a long way, baby!

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  8. Good for you! Anybody who can set a goal and then meet it is awesome. Your blog is pretty neat too.

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  9. Congratulations! And that photo is the perfect way to mark the achievement.

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  10. Wow, oh, Wow!!!! You are amazing and awesome....an inspiration to others and me!
    I love reading your words..and, yes, it IS a great photo!

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  11. A great photo, and what an amazing story! Well done :)

    Happy WW!

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  12. Congratulations!!!!
    Terrific shot.

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  13. Wowee! Congratulations and the picture is definitely worth a million words! Talk about accomplishment and sheer personal joy for your own inner goals. With surgery, and the recovery that ensued I cannot imagine how you did it. Sheer will and determination would be the answer in your case.If you can do it, it certainly gives inspiration to anyone for any goal they may have in mind no matter how big or small. It is what counts to you personally that is the achievement. Well done.

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  14. Woo Hoo! What a superb photo to demonstrate your 3000 mile smile!!!!! It does take a very long time to recover from spinal surgery, doesn't it? Way to go, persevering through a long process.

    Have you ever seen Ergon backpacks? They're the only kind that I can wear because the shoulder straps rotate with my upper body and all the load is on my hips.

    Enough gear talk - celebrate!

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  15. congratulations, what a year! may 2011 be filled with joyful rides.

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  16. You are truly a study in determination and perseverance! Great picture ... amazing milestone. You ROCK!!!!!!!!!!

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