5 Years at a Time

Where does the time go.  A friend of mine once told me to think of life in 5 year blocks.  She said that  she was always amazed .... to think of where she was today, and then reflect on where she was 5 years ago.  Well, 5 years ago today, I was arriving home from my first bike camp in South Carolina.  I was approximately 24 years of age.  OK that's a lie.  I was a bit older.  I stayed in Cabin 12 at Table Rock State Park.  And I knew next to nothing about cycling at that time.  I purchased a Cannondale Road bike specifically for that camp.  And what a piece of garbage that bike was.  I am not, by any means, discrediting Cannondale.  I have seen some Cannondale beauties.  Just not the particular model I had selected at that time.

Halfway to camp, I realized that I had forgot to pack my cycling jerseys.  I had none, whatsoever.  Not a one.  Nodda.  Zip, zero, zilch.  I had no idea what cold weather cycling gear even was.  Toe covers, arm and knee warmers, base layers, wool socks  .... not in my vocabulary.  Cycling gloves.  I didn't own a pair.  And nutrition?  What about nutrition.  You ate a big breakfast and took a bottle of water.  Right?  Gels?  Why would you take hair gel out for a spin?  I thought that a long ride to the death was about 60km's.  I thought that tacking on an extra 50km's of climbing would be no big deal.  Switchbacks, descents, pelotons, roadies, sucking wheel ... WHAT????  Sprint and Olympic triathlons were my thing.  I thought I was a hard core bad ass cyclist.  I HAD NO IDEA.

Fast forward.  5 years later.  I have a TT bike worth as much as a small car.  I have an inexpensive road bike.  But I love it.  I have a room full of wheels, bike parts, cycling gear, a computrainer, a bike rack.  You name it.  You can sell a triathlete anything if you didn't already know that.  I still don't claim to know much more than about one percent of everything cycling.  The more I learn, the more I realize how little I know.  But I have come a long way.  I would not classify myself as a competitive roadie.  A recreational roadie with a competitive spirit???  Sure.  But cycling is relative.  I am a 44 year old woman/(with childlike tendencies from time to time).  I am an age group triathlete with full time employment.  I have a house and a dog.  Triathlon is my hobby, not my livelihood.  Some may claim it is my obsession.  That is a strong possibility.

5 years ago, my goal time for the 10km climb at Caesars Head was 45 minutes.  I thought Olympic distance triathlons were insanely long and gruelling.  And I thought that George Hincapie was a legend I would likely never meet.

5 years later:  42:17 on Caesars Head.

 I will complete my 5th half Ironman in Spain in May, and my 6th in Austria in August.  I will complete my 3rd Ironman in Hawaii in October.  And last week, George Hincapie left a voice message on my cell phone.  Hello.  That's possibly my favourite thing right there.

 In January, I received a mass e-email from Hincapie Sportswear.  They were looking for applicants for their Ride Hincapie Ambassador Program.  I thought my chances of being part of the Hincapie Team were approximately nil, but I certainly was not going to let the opportunity pass me by.  George Hincapie was a domestique:  "A road bicycle racer who works for the benefit of his team and leader."  My definition:  "Warrior.  Silent hero.  Team player and class act."  In 2009, he finished the final four stages of the Tour de France with a broken collarbone.   Need I say more?   His accomplishments are longer than my blog.  And ask anyone.  Hincapie Sportswear cycling gear is simply awesome.  All of it.  I have, over the years, bought one of everything.  

So I tapped into my creative side and counted on some friends, and my video application came to life:

I am not sure why my lips froze in that position, or why I sound like I was an actress in the movie, "Fargo".  Nonetheless, we had a blast making this video and I am truly honoured and privileged to have been selected as a Ride Hincapie Ambassador.

In the last 5 years I have made friendships that will last a lifetime.  It's funny how mutual suffering and shared experiences can bind people together and cement relationships.  I am thankful for all of the blessings in my life, and I can't wait to see what the next 5 years will bring.  Life is an adventure.