I got this email today from a Uncle that has a flair for the writing and creative stuff. Since it involves neither computers or cell phones I thought it would be a nice change of pace and it also confirms that at least one member of the clan is quasi-normal.
—————————————————————————————-
Hi,
A few pictures to share with the family about Monica’s transition to becoming a biking babe. Cycling over 50 miles the first day, Monica easily completed a half century in an estimated four hours as she peddled her way across the back roads of Maryland’s Chesapeake at a brisk pace of 12 mph. She started out the day with an easy thirty miles as the goal, her farthest distance prior to participating in the three-day Cycle Across Maryland event, http://www.onelesscar.org/CAM/2007/index.php.
Feeling the cool morning air (7:30am) breezing past and eyeing the lush green farm fields ahead, she confidently followed me to the “right” of the fork in the road instead of the “left”. Without even a glance back and still following the painted fluorescent arrows on the road marking our path, she powered forward knowing the day’s accomplishment would put her into the Kern-Cornelsen Hall of Fame. Friday’s ride began at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore campus in the town of Princess Anne and followed a meandering route through extensive areas of wetlands and coastal villages to the Chesapeake fishing town of Crisfield, better known as the “Crab Capitol of the World,” http://www.onelesscar.org/CAM/2007/images/map_crisfield.pdf.
After a 22 mile rest stop for replenishing the body with Gatorade and a buffet of fruits, donuts, peanut butter sandwiches and other carbo delights, she mounted her trusty Jamis hybrid and peddled off into the morning sun with her sights set on cold watermelon served at the finish line and a shower in the luxurious dorm accommodations. Lacking neither breath nor stamina, Monica effortlessly cycled her way into the hearts of the many veteran cyclist cheering her on to becoming another lycra clad, but oh so cute, peloton.
Barely did Monica break a sweat during the three days of riding as she chatted animatedly with fellow pelotons cruising down the roads of Maryland about the condition of corn and soybean fields to be harvested passing by, the calls of Killdeer and mocking birds heard on quiet lanes, the colorful sights of caterpillar and foliage or the latest in comfortable cycling apparel. Braving temperatures in the mid 80’s and humidity levels climbing, Monica cycled over a hundred miles from Friday thru Sunday. Slathered in
sunblock and stocked with pints of water and protein bars in her Camelback, Monica’s only luxury was a 30 minute massage provided by sports massage therapist on the second day of her adventures.
Should anyone be interested, her husband’s claim to fame is completing two half centuries back-to-back (one which turned into a 60+ due to incorrect interpretations of a clue sheet and finding the mistake after miles in the wrong direction) and final three-day mileage of approximately 150. On our last day, winding down the three-day adventure with a quick 36 mile route, we discovered the newest defense system in the Maryland’s farm land. While our seats still fondly remember the curve of the saddle, our pictures provide more entertaining memories.
Love,
Dean & Monica
—————————————————————-
For the record I responded to my uncle asking when he was going to join the 21st century and start a blog of his own to record his exploits. You know surely what he has to write is better then my drivel.
The reply went a little something like this “Maybe if you put better stuff out there, the social life would improve?“
That’s just COLD Uncle Dean….