BikerZ checks in... (sort of OT, and a little long)

[bikerz]

Hello TE pals - I'm checking in after what feels like a long absence...

I’ve been out of sight (and off the bike) for about six weeks - dealing with the ending of my 14-year relationship, sale of our house (signed the papers this afternoon), renting a new place to live, moving in hail storms :mad:, crying - blah blah blah… But now me and my pup and two cats are starting to unpack and settle into our new abode, and get used to our new lives.

Finding cycling (and this site, and all of you great women, so many of whom I’ve been fortunate enough to meet, ride with, and learn from) has been a part of a huge and positive change in my life in the last year or so. This last year has been one of the hardest and saddest in my life, but also one of the best in terms of getting fitter and finding a new kind of life for myself.

I have also decided that this year is not the year for me to do the AIDS Life Cycle (for a variety of reasons, not all of which are related to the breakup) – but I’m looking forward to doing the ride in 2007 (Trek420 – this is your official notification to change your sig line!). I really struggled with this decision, but finally felt like the training requirements were more than I could realistically meet in the short time remaining before June 4. The idea of riding was starting to feel like a burden, and the joy I get from cycling (yes – I can’t believe I’m saying it, but even hills!) is worth too much to me. Is that crazy? I hope not.

But - for the rest of this year, I want to keep increasing my miles, and ride some metric and imperial centuries, try Mt.Diablo again – basically just ride - ride - ride! I’m looking forward to seeing those of you in the Bay Area soon – it may be another week or so before I sort out my schedule, catch up on sleep, and get back out on the road again (and hopefully the weather will cooperate!) (And in the meantime, am I allowed to come to the Cinderella pre-ride dinner, even though I’m not riding?)

So thanks for “listening”, everyone – I draw so much support from this site and the caring and wisdom here – it’s a pretty special place.

[snapdragen]

Aw, sorry you've been having such a time bikerz.

I understand completely your decision not to ride LifeCycle this year. Training for it does take a huge amount of time out of your life, to the point at times when you think of nothing else. I dropped out of LifeCycle1when I realized I no longer found that joy in cycling. Now I participate by helping out whenever I can - this year I'll be at Orientation Day.

You take care of yourself, settle in with your critters. We'll all see you on the road.

[SadieKate]

I've been wondering but trying not to bug you. You've had so much on your plate but it sounds like you're seeing the light of day again. Saying "no" is so hard but can be the best thing.

Get your bod back on a bike and when you're ready, call me. We'll plan a nice easy ride out of Winters.

Thanks for the update.

[Pax]

So sorry to hear about your painful (but improving) situation, snuggle you pup and kittys...they're wonderful medicine.

[Trek420]

What queen sed :o

I'm sure Simon (Bikerz's wonderful wonderful doggie) will take good care of you. Feel free to call anytime if anytime you wanna talk....and let's go ride sometime, take it out on the hills. :o

[Trekhawk]

BikerZ - sending some big hugs your way. Sorry to hear things have been hard.
I look forward to seeing you on a few rides in the future.:)

[SadieKate]

I have to ask. Bubba used to call the dog next door (an incessant barker) "Simple" even though the dog's real name was "Special." Simon didn't get his name for the same reasons, did he?

[Sag 4 Valentine]

BikerZ,
So glad you are back and things are going forward for you. I think of you often and I say a little prayer for healing. I think everyone will welcome you with open arms at the pre ride dinner. Go for it!

[bikerz]

Thanks for your kind words everyone - signing the sale papers today was a big deal - seems like a watershed of sorts - I'm lookin forward to an upward swing now... And yes - the critters are a big comfort - the cats love all the boxes to sit on - Simon is having a tough time adjusting, but he'll settle in...

By the way, SK - Simon got his name because he is a pit bull mix (more "pit" than "mix") and true to the breed, he is a total sweetheart - we picked "Simon" as his name because we wanted him to have a kind of nerdy/sweet name, to reflect his character more than the breed's rep.

If it's not raining Sunday, I think I'll tackle my old stand-by the Tunnel Rd loop - haven't done hills since the 3 Bears, so maybe it will be good for a first ride back after a while. Plus I'll put my new Selle SMP saddle on - the one that made Slinkedog so happy.

[SadieKate]

Whew, good to know it is "Sweet Simon" not "Simple Simon." :D

[RoadRaven]

Hey there bikerz, good to have you visible again

Sorry its been such a helluva start to 2006...

Sending you much aroha from NZ, and cuddles for those three furry friends of yours

[Trek420]

Bikerz, give your pitt pup lots of ear scratchies for me.

One thing I did after my move and break up from he** was turn it into a game for my dog. One of her many tricks is "find it". She does a long stay, I go to another room and hide a treat, she has to keep the stay till I say "find it" then run and find the treat.

Sometimes I question her nose, takes a while but anyway I did many of those with the boxes.

Your mutt like mine is a rescue dog and there's no telling what associations they have with moving. For example dogs are often lost of abandoned after a move.

So I made it into a game, helps dog and amuses person.

[aka_kim]

BikerZ, I'd been thinking of you recently and wondering how things were going. In fact, I almost had some work I was thinking of sending your way! But who cares about work, glad you're getting back on the bike. We need to get the Bay Area TE girls' training program (hills or no) back in swing as soon as the weather gets better.

[cindysue]

big hug {{{{{{{{{{{{ }}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

hope to see you soon!

[slinkedog]

Hey Ann... I've missed hearing from you. I hope things are much better from here on out. I'm so sorry you're having to go through all of this. Please know you're in my thoughts and prayers daily. I'm really looking forward to riding with you again soon. We're talking about doing 17 mile drive again in May. That would be a good reunion!

Hang in there, girl.

[Adventure Girl]

Hey, Z...
I just wanted to add my "me, too" to the thread. I hope you can see these changes as fresh start and opportunity! I'm sure it must be a really rough time, but you have the world open to you! Good luck!

Let's go ride our bikes!!!:p

[Bike Goddess]

BikerZ- Of course, you should by all means attend the pre Cindy dinner (I posted something about that yesterday on the dinner thread. It wouldn't be the same without you! AND it seems others are going through some tough times as well. Support, you bet! So, pick your spot and come on down. (At one point there was talk of two meeting places- one in Pleasanton and the other in Livermore). Would love to see you again!:) :)

[Running Mommy]

BIKERZ I'm sending you some warm Arizona vibes ~~~~~~Z~~~~~~~
With all our collective hugs you will get through this- and be stronger for it!!
It's kinda like training... You have to breakdown the muscles first in order to make them stronger. Sounds like you will be made of IRON after this!
Take care! Much love!
Denise

[CorsairMac]

Ahhh Ann - I've been wondering where you were. I'm sorry to hear about your change of life but it sounds like you're trying to rebuild. Keeping you in my thoughts and wishing you all the best! Ya'll gotta let me know next time your in Abq or at least passing thru! We can at least meet for dinner again if not actually get a ride in!

Welcome Back!! {{{{{{{{{{{{ann}}}}}}}}}

[bikerz]

You guys are great!

trek420 - I'm going to try the treat finding game with Simon this afternoon - thanks for the good idea!

And C-Mac - I'll certainly contact you next time I'm passing through ABQ - might be sometime in the late spring... maybe a field trip tp Luna Cycles, if not an actual ride...

And I'll see if I can untangle the Cinderella pre-ride dinner threads and I'll come along (where-ever it is) and say Hey to everyone!

[Trek420]

bikerz "I'm going to try the treat finding game with Simon this afternoon - thanks for the good idea!"

let me know how your bully pup likes that :)

OT to this thread...or anything else here, I stopped at Spazzdog's last weekend, Mae was in my car and we decided to try walkies with both dogs (some of you know my pound pup does not know she's a dog too).

There was some initial crazy nutso barking and then...she settled down :eek:

A couple of minor growls which Spazz stopped with one "alpha dog glance". But then...they walked together! Actually side by side at times. As far as I know Mae has never done this. So I'm just giddy that she might have a play pal.

[Pax]

OT to this thread...or anything else here, I stopped at Spazzdog's last weekend, Mae was in my car and we decided to try walkies with both dogs (some of you know my pound pup does not know she's a dog too).

There was some initial crazy nutso barking and then...she settled down :eek:

A couple of minor growls which Spazz stopped with one "alpha dog glance". But then...they walked together! Actually side by side at times. As far as I know Mae has never done this. So I'm just giddy that she might have a play pal.
Very cool! Always nice when a pup has a playmate...maybe BikerZ's pup can come too and it'll be a doggy play-group! :D

[yellow]

Good to hear from you, Z.

Just getting out and riding is a great focus to have. I know that riding has done a lot for you...and it will continue to enrich your life for many years to come.

[BikeMomma]

BZ! Not too long ago I was thinking about you and realizing you've been silent. I had no idea you were going through such trying times. I'm so sorry....but it seems like you're emerging from that abyss with your identity and spirit intact, and I'm sooo glad for that.:)

You know, I truly believe that it's times like these that boths tests and strengthens us. We ARE stronger than we know -- unfortunately it's usually bad stuff that has to prove it.:rolleyes:

Take care, Z, and maybe I'll see ya at the next Monterey ride.
Hugggs,
~BikeMomma