Monday, March 16, 2009

My challenge

I have registered to cycle from Toronto to Montreal (6 days) as part of a fundraiser for an organization that supports people living with HIV. This will be quite the challenge for me as not only am I out of shape and do not take well to camping, but I don't like bike riding. Still, I think of all my close friends who face the challenge of living with HIV and all the stigma it still has, and I figure that this is nothing as far as a challenge goes. I have a little folding bike, but I have to go and buy a big-girl bike for this escapade. [And dammit, the rules actually state that you can't use an electric bike.]

I duly went to the bike show that was in town this past week-end and went to find a bike. I was too overwhelmed to purchase a bike at the time, but I found the booth for a bike shop that is near me and I'm going to go and visit them later this week. I won't get the lowest price that I could have gotten at the bike show, but I will still be able to get something in my range.

The upside of my trip to the bike show was that I the fundraiser I'm part of had a booth of its own. The guys there were awesome and they gave me a sneak preview of the team jerseys we'll have. The best part? They said, "and now that you know the colours - you can accessorize!" I may end up being sweaty and exhausted, but at least I'll be with people who know how to have fun and look good. Okay, but that's not even the bestest part. The bestest part is that then I found a pair of bike shoes on sale and they are powder blue and will match the team jersey! OMG!!!! I'm so happy now. And I also have the cutest biking gloves. I am dreading wearing hideous bike shorts, but I have a lovely wrap-around mini from Bali that I will wear over them. Sadly it doesn't coordinate with the rest of the outfit, but I do have a longer sarong that does.

Tomorrow I will check out the bikes. If I do indeed go with the one that I looked at at the bike show, it too will coordinate with my outfit. Yay!

And what's more my energy is back! I think I must have had a really mild flu. I had a brutal killer of a flu last year but I think this year my flu shot protected me from the worst of it.

13 comments:

madamerouge said...

So no iron pills, just... flu? I guess that's good. Did you have your flu shot?

Snooze said...

Madamerouge: It's another self diagnosis so who knows! Yes, I had my flu shot, so that's why I'm thinking it was a very mild version of the flu - fatigued but not bedridden like last year.

eroswings said...

That sounds fantastic! I applaud your adventurous and giving spirit for doing such a great thing.

I don't think I could ride a bike for all those miles! I'd probably cheat and catch the train.

Great news on the coordinating outfit. I hope you find something you'll enjoy riding for a long time!

Anonymous said...

I am so impressed! You go, go, go snooze-a-roo!

And, I used to cycle quite a bit, back before my sit on the couch days; you can buy padded shorts that look like trail shorts. You know, Khaki or black... Or, what I did was wear padded liners and regular shorts.

Even at my fittest, lycra shorts were not something I wanted my butt to be seen in. Ever.

And the shoes? Score. You know how I love my shoes.

Brice said...

That's great!
Not only is it a good cause, but it'll do wonders for your physical self-image.
Put me down for some $$$. I'll sponsor you!

Lesley said...

Wow, Toronto to Montreal? That's ambitious! Good on ya! Glad to hear you are feeling better.

Snooze said...

Eros: I'm selling my bike the second I reach Montreal!

Laverne: You would so love these shoes. And I love your tip on padded liners.

Brice: Thanks! I'll send you the link.

Lesley: I'm nervous but excited.

Rox said...

I love that you are doing this! Even though it's not something you enjoy (biking) your heart is huge and giving, and that is so cool!

tornwordo said...

You're the second blogger I know who's doing this. Good on you! When is it again? I hope to be at the finish line cheering y'all on!

CoffeeDog said...

Hey congrats on this. You know me, I'm all about the bike. Please keep me posted as thing progress, I'll donate to the cause, and I wanna see the bike you get.

Snooze said...

Rox: Thanks Rox. I'm getting excited about the encouragement people are giving me!

Torn: Oh that would be AMAZING if you were there at the finish. Of course I might arrive 2 hours after everyone else, so don't worry - I can find you guys in the village!

CD: I will definitely post pics to my blog, and thank you!

Anonymous said...

Hello Snooze!

I would love to sponsor you.
Can you post any information where I can drop my cash?

Snooze said...

Anonymous - thanks so much! If you know my real name, you can check out the rally for life website and search for me, http://www.bikerally.org/


If not, I encourate everyone to sponsor an HIV or similar activity near you or to challenge yourself to participate in a charity event.