Pedal Through

The alarm clock went off at 4:30 a.m. this past Sunday . It was time to take the 1 hr 45 minute drive to the Hairy Hundred. Having attended the last three HH's I knew I didn't want to miss this well organized $30 race, super cheap,  which is the perfect shakedown ride timed 2 weeks out from DK200.  What's not to like?  My husband would not be riding but would be taking over cheerleader and sag duties. The morning started out very rough, I have no idea why, everything is wrong.  My stomach rumbled, head hurt and I coughed, I coughed a lot. Seriously? It was definitely bad timing to feel crappy right before riding a hundred miles... f***. My husband quickly loaded my Wonderful Salsa Warbird, tossed our bags into the Subaru and by 5 a.m. we were on the road.     I tried to get myself together, talk myself into feeling better, it wasn't working. There was no way I could tell my husband,  who had gotten up extremely early on a Sunday, chauffeured m...

From the very beginning bikes have been good to me.  Since I started pedaling I have met some awesome people, traveled a bit, and basically gotten my life back. Because of bikes I am healthy, happy, and have a positive outlook on the future.  They are my breath, they are my choice, my way of life.  Bikes are the best decision I have ever made. It was a no-brainer to use bikes in a fundraiser to put some $$ into the Love Fund, which helps pay for lunches and other school necessities for kids who can't afford it.  The idea was to bring together cyclists for a gravel ride and have them donate to the cause. On January 28th approximately thirty-five cyclists showed to brave the cold and ride a twenty-eight mile course.  That morning we raised over $1000!  Totally smashing the $500 goal that was set.  After adding a GoFundMe account for those who couldn't attend and an additional $700 was made! Cyclists are an incredibly generous bunch! Thank you! ...

"All of our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them".  -Walt Disney Comfort zone:  A place or situation where one feels safe or at ease without stress.  I hate to admit this but I am completely ruled by my habits and my routines.  By having these habits and routines I have made my life very comfortable, very safe and easy. In fact, I have made it too comfortable.  One day this past January I had a thought... My life is cozy like a warm fuzzy blanket from the dryer, it's become too casual and too small.  As humans we are wired to be creatures of comfort, enjoy what feels good, settle in and relax. Once we get comfortable we tend to forget to try new things.  I have forgotten to try new things, especially those I am fearful of. That is why I want to step it up a notch, Hell, step it up two notches.  Keep in mind that what may be uncomfortable for me might not invoke the same feelings in you.  We are all different when it ...

Hi!   The Gravel For The Love of It ride is Saturday January 28th.  Bring some CASH as we will be collecting funds for overdue elementary school lunch accounts. So far... Mother Nature is just making it chilly.  This 28 mile +/- ride is on open gravel roads and the Hamburg Trail. Obey all traffic laws while riding and be mindful of traffic, ride to the right side of the roadway. This is a ride not a race. There is no support or prizes. You are responsible for yourself!  This ride is open to all riding abilities and would best be tackled using a mountain, gravel or cross bike.  I would not recommend a road or tri-bike. There is an option to cut the full course and still get in 18 miles. Date: January 28, Saturday - Quick Chat at 8AM then Clipped in and rolling at 8:15AM Start/Finish:  Southwest Hwy 94 and I-64/40 Commuter Lot (Look for Blue and White balloons) Don't have a Garmin?   Print this map of Busch below and compare it to you...

"You have two hands. One to help yourself and the second to help others". Long story short, I went to my daughters school to donate $75, money I wasn't expecting.  While speaking with her principal I found out that the money would do the most good paying off overdue lunch accounts.  Sadly, I learned that $75 would not even  put a dent in what was owed.  In my opinion, there are a few things in life children should not have to worry about... Shelter, love, and food being among them.  While driving  home I was inspired to do something more.  Ta-da!  Gravel ride!  I have invited everyone I can think of and even have a few sponsors... Thank you to Big Shark Bicycle Co, Qikcover, Bike Stop Cafe, and Chamois Butt'r.  The ride will be approximately 28 miles and open to EVERYONE.There is a public bathroom located at 14 miles. After the first loop you will be four miles from your car and can decide if you want to do the next loop.  ...

This 2017 year is starting off with a BANG! Several new opportunities have come into my life and I want to share them with you.  They are each incredible and deserve their own separate blog post. Here is #1, they are in no particular order.  Stay tuned... Shortly before Christmas I received an email from Dirty Kanza 200 promoter Jim Cummins.  I am always excited to open his emails, especially the ones that are addressed specifically to me.  He was wondering if I would be interested in being a member of the Dirty Dozen at Dirty Kanza for Lauf Forks.  Honestly, I had to Google Lauf Forks to see exactly what he was talking about.  As I researched I can across an article about Lael Wilcox rockin' a Lauf.  This article sold me.   Click this link for more info on the Lauf Grit. Watch the video too.  It's pretty cool. In order to be a part of the Dirty Dozen, which is five men and seven women, I would need to replace my existing fork on my S...

Welcome to my new blog!  Yup, I even own the domain. Pedalthrough.net! Happy New Year!  2017 is going to be amazing!  You have my word on it. So, I feel I should start off with an apology... I apologize to the six folks who religiously followed my Apabstsmear blog.  My last post was January of '16.  I am sure you have been wondering what I have been doing with all the thoughts in my head. Well, I have been quietly wrestling them and trying to sort them out. I actually forgot the password to Apabstsmear blog, LOL.  November of '15 I took a job as a cycling coach.  I had no idea what i was doing so I quit writing and threw myself in to learning mode.  This was also my first 'paying' job in a decade.  While I missed telling you about my latest adventures I'm glad I took this time to focus and learn. Along the way I found out that the old adage "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" is complete bullshit!  I may not know everythin...