Biting off more than I can chew?

I think I may have done it this time, I really do.

I have been taking spin classes at the gym for about 4 months now and I have really gotten into it. As I have done it more and more I have had a friend in my ear telling me I need to start doing triathlons. His logic, you can already run the distance (10K) and you can figure out the swim. As far as the bike goes, I figure that riding in the gym has to be like running on the treadmill.

So, in preparation, I decided to sign up for a fundraising bike ride. It makes total sense, get a great ride in the fall, raise money for a great cause (Camp Twin Lakes) and also get comfortable on a bike. Today I got my bike (3 weeks before the event) and I also received my first rude awakening. Riding a high end 10 speed is not like it was when I was in High School and it certainly isn't anything like the nice relaxing rides at the beach with the girls. My first few 'laps' around the parking lot were shaky at best and then I put on my cycling shoes and 'clipped' in. The over under on parking lot falls was two! Fortunately I was able to smoothly clip in and take off and I was able to navigate stopping and unclipping without falling down. This only means I will probably eat it at least three times the first time I hit the road on a training ride. The fear of falling, while huge and potentially embarrassing is not my biggest fear. My biggest fear is the 47 miles I will be riding!! Ummm - what was I thinking? Even at 15 mph I will be in the saddle a little more than three hours --- YIKES!!! If I were not on a plane first thing tomorrow morning I would be finding a nice, flat, long and car less place to ride and hopefully get some of my fears out and I have LEGITIMATE fears. The last time I was on a 10 speed I went head over heels when a branch got caught in a spoke and my left hand got crushed between the bike's 'forks' and its frame. That was over 20 years ago!!! If you know me, then you know my memory and recall, so its very easy for that image to come to the forefront. As I ride in the weeks to come I hope that image gets replaced by the smile on my face and the sheer joy of accomplishing a goal and raising money for a great cause.

To learn more about the camp, go to www.camptwinlakes.org and if you care to make a donation you can go to

http://camptwinlakes.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=312622&lis=1&kntae312622=B6A8E44A31EE4D06B2F08B5FD53C9948.



If you click the Donation button and then search for me, Gil Wolchock, I will get 'credit' for the donation.