Last night was the official kick-off meeting for the winter Team in Training season. It was really inspiring and exciting!
When I checked in, I got my info packet and TnT cycling jersey. Mine’s a little tight right now, but I think it won’t be long until it fits better. There also were other goodies that I haven’t checked out yet. And I learned the name of my cycling mentor: Eric.
When I got to the main room, I sat with my mentor’s team. We got an introduction and a pep talk from a woman whose name I couldn’t hear, but I think she was a big-wig in the organization. She also turned out to be involved in the cycling team, so I’d see and hear her later. She introduced everyone who was in the organization by group: the Honorees (survivors who are participating in the program), each event’s coaches and support staff, and people who’d done a triple crown (three events) and people who’d done TEN events (forgot the name of that group).
Then we heard a heart-warming story from a mom and son who were dealing with his illness about how she found the LLS shortly after hearing her son’s diagnosis. They shared their tale of dealing with the disease — and how they are still dealing with it after several relapses — and thanked us for helping the organization. It was really moving. I think I had something in my eye, too 😉
Then we went into our individual event meetings. There were probably 30-40 people in the cycling room, so we were probably the smallest group — even smaller than the ironman triathlon group! But I think we are going to have the most fun! Patrick, the cycling head coach, introduced the other coaches and told us some of their impressive cycling accomplishments. I think we’re in good hands!
After describing the program and answering a few questions, we broke up and I wandered the vendor and fundraising tables. Got some coupons for Sports Basement and talked to the guy at the Chain Reaction booth about bikes and gear. Chain Reaction will donate a portion of your purchases to your fundraising total, but it’s less than the amount I’d save by going to Sports Basement, plus the closest one is a little far away. So I think I’ll be going to Sports Basement unless I find a bike at another shop that offers TnT discounts. That Synapse was pretty sweet!
11/5/10
Right before lunch today, I called Slough’s Bike Shoppe to see if my bike was going to be ready. Turns out they missed the note about me needing it by today. They pushed everything else aside and worked on the bike. It was ready when I needed it.
When I went to pick it up, I had to laugh. Pretty much everything I touched was done wrong. I installed the chain rings upside-down, the rear derailleur was completely misadjusted and the chain had one link too many. They replaced all the cables, fixed all of my mistakes and adjusted everything. I took it for a quick spin around the condo parking lot and everything seems right again. It’s been a long time since I could say that about this bike! I’ve probably only had it tuned up twice since I bought it. Part of me still wants to bring my beater, though. I kind of want to take it on a shake-down ride first, but I guess tomorrow is as good a time as any for that ride. I’ll have more experienced bike mechanics on the ride with me. Besides, the next day is hill repeats, so I’ll want the better shifting of the Rocky Mountain anyway. I’m looking forward to getting on the bike with the rest of the team, even if it looks like it might rain Sunday. Hopefully, I’ll post an update tomorrow about the first ride of the season!