“Are we there yet?”
“No. Not yet. 6 more miles.”
“Mom. Are we there now?”
“No. Not yet Baby. We have 6 more miles left.”
This is a conversation I would have with a three year who had no concept of 6 miles. As he grew and learned, the “6 miles” became representative of an unknown…that we had to keep going and we’d know we were THERE when we got THERE.
And I’m still pedaling. I’m not THERE yet.
I have been so incredibly fortunate to be the student of strong, talented, generous athletes who have shared their knowledge and wisdom.
Over the years as a host for teams competing in the Redlands Bicycle Classic, I sat and listened to team meetings, taking everything in. Connecting with, watching, learning…all of it. This, coupled with a healthcare background, fitness and performance has always been of interest. There is no end to learning and development in the fitness world.
But, in the end, I am a recreational cyclist-not a coach or fitness expert. In these “Getting ready for the Roadrunner Tour 2025”, I am sharing MY personal experiences and what has worked for me; for us. There is SO much information out there. Become a lifelong student.
Coffee is good. Coffee is bad. Take this. Do that! The world is filled with advice and it’s constantly changing. Finally, we understand, just because it’s on the internet, does not mean it’s true! LOL!
Find out what works for YOU! Listen to your body. It will tell you what it needs. Listen to that quiet voice inside. You know your body better than anyone.
I would be remiss without a shout out to some of our local experts- Joy and Brian McCulloch with Big Wheel Coaching; Rachael, Melissa and Seana at BC Fitness + Cafe; Greg Petersen representing Bemer and for inspiration, check out Denise Mueller who rides with Primal (or did?) You might think you’re fast but can you cycle at 183.93 MPH? She can and did!
Another amazing source of information, if your brain is still hungry, is YouTube. There are several sites that can inspire, advise, direct and otherwise, open options for better cycling.
I know there is a ton of gear, especially bicycles, that can up your game but for me…there’s so much improvement I can make with myself- routines, diet, conditioning…all rather inexpensive…that will yield better performance. Being in good shape becomes evident when a 70+ year old passes you on Sand Canyon riding a steel bike with downshifters. Some of you may remember our local legends: Iron Legs Acosta or Lou Aragon. Oftentimes, they wouldn’t shift, wouldn’t flinch, just leave you in the dust! What? But I paid $12,000 for my bike so I could ride faster than you and you passed me! If you ride like the Big Dogs, yes, all the equipment matters. Like for Brian, Joy and Denise-equipment matters. I just want to run with the pack, tongue out and happy!
The 2023 tour was a first for me. Prior to that, 7 days was my longest ride. It was so fascinating learning about my body while we rode day after day. The human body is truly a miracle. I kept getting stronger and my body was hungry for more.
Over the next weeks, I’ll share some incredible discoveries unleashed in 2023. Take what you want. Skip over the rest. But boy! It’s amazing what you learn riding 84 days self-supported!
I’m still learning. And I’ve got only 6 more miles to go!
April 11, 2025
