Shasta Report & Rec.

[Tiffany]

Digging Deep:
I was tired, but determined, and concentrating one pedal stroke at a time on the fact that, barring anything really wild, I was going to finish the ride. The ride that I first dreamed about doing with my husband, before we were divorced last year. The ride I decided to do before caring for my mom until she died a few months later. The ride I kept training for throughout the spring, despite three jobs, caring for my dad until he died, and handling the estate sale, selling the house, and moving, just last week. This ride symbolized for me something much more than an athletic achievement. And now that it is done, I feel extremely humble, and grateful, and hopeful.

Wow. Congratulations is probably the best I can say right now because I'm speachless. I admire people like you ... honestly.

[Starfish]

Wow. Congratulations is probably the best I can say right now because I'm speachless. I admire people like you ... honestly.

If I can do it, anyone can. I've been very blessed in my life. Having faith (and good friends who will remind me of my faith) and getting support are the keys!

[Starfish]

Pictures on a new thread called Shasta Ride Pics

[Bike Goddess]

Starfish- I read the other thread first, so my comments here are on your wonderful account of your ride as well as allowing us a window into your personal life.

One of the things I love about climbing on a bike is it takes on a form of meditation. It's a lot like climbing mountains where you put one foot in front of the other slowly making it up the hill. Being outside and communing with nature is, to me, a healing process. Through our breath and concentration our bodies can rejuvenate in a spirtual and mental way. I'm so moved by your account of how you used this ride to not only accomplish a very big riding goal, but also to allow yourself to heal.

Thank you so much for sharing with us. You are an inspiration in so many ways.

[cwodiva]

I"m new here, I read your post and it gave me goosebumps! No one will ever be able to take away that accomplishment and it will be something that you will carry in your heart forever. Although you most likely will do many other great things on and off the bike, there is something about that first big ride that stays with you forever. Speaking from experience, it'll be a touchstone. Congratulations!!

[Starfish]

Being outside and communing with nature is, to me, a healing process. Through our breath and concentration our bodies can rejuvenate in a spirtual and mental way. I'm so moved by your account of how you used this ride to not only accomplish a very big riding goal, but also to allow yourself to heal.

For me, riding through the natural beauty of what God has made is definitely a replenishing process that reminds me how much He has blessed me.