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 , 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.