100 Miles of Nowhere: Bittersweet Division

05.12.2010 | 4:01 pm

100 miles of nowhere was my first century ride. The day for me was both amazing and sad.

My friends (who are much more accomplished cyclists than I) and I chose a 13.75 mile loop to ride 7 times. The day was incredibly windy, with 25-30 MPH winds coming from the NW. My friends took turns providing me with a wind break on the windy side of the ride. I learned that day that I have the best friends anyone can have.

A lot of my friends wanted to quit, at one point we came up with a scheme to stop at the bowling alley and bowling the rest of the century, counting a frame as a mile. But 4 of us persevered and finished the ride.

The day was sad because I found out halfway through the ride that my grandmother died. After I heard the news I rode a lap completely numb. I didn’t know if I should keep going or if I should stop and go spend time with my family. I decided to keep going.

I don’t know if I made the right choice or the wrong choice, but I think I made the choice she would have wanted me to make.

I will never forget this day.

– Stephanie M

PS from Fatty: Want something a little lighter? Read here to see how Stephanie R. did her 100 Miles of Nowhere Tour de France style: in stages.

5 Comments

  1. Comment by Carl | 05.12.2010 | 4:05 pm

    We are all very sorry to hear about your loss Stephanie.

  2. Comment by Jenni | 05.12.2010 | 6:18 pm

    I think you did a beautiful tribute to your grandmother. Great job.

  3. Comment by Betsy | 05.12.2010 | 9:47 pm

    So sorry for the loss of your Grandmother. I’m sure she was proud of you. We all deal with grief in different ways, so no one way is the right way. Honor yourself during this time. Cry when you must and laugh when you can. Knowing Peace for you and your family.

  4. Comment by JB | 05.13.2010 | 8:16 am

    My condolences on the loss of your Grandmother.

    I loved the day off from your tour for cub scout night! I can see it during the TdF, sorry boys, day off so all the moms and dads can get to cub scout night!
    Nice job, you did your Grandmother proud

  5. Comment by Eva | 05.13.2010 | 9:13 am

    Your grandmother and we all are so proud of you… awesome tribute to her life and spirit…

    Love and Light,

    Eva

 

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