And then there was LIGHT

Oh, what a difference a day makes.  Today, Wheels to Heal had the early morning shift.  As with any day there are always logistical issues to be worked out.  The recommendation was to skip ahead 30 miles to avoid some high traffic roads but the team decided to start from the hotel.  I need my beauty sleep and after 44 years it might actually start working … who knows?  A 4:45 alarm buzzer and the usual scramble to take a shower before a 5 hour ride (Daniel), use the bathroom, pack, eat, load the car, prep bikes, use the bathroom again and, after doing all that, remembering to actually put my cycling gear on was followed by a team prayer and on time departure at 6 am.

A storm had rolled through the area last night so we had cooler weather and calm, peaceful streets through Stephens City, VA and Winchester, VA.  The team had a few mechanical problems when shifting on the hills but we got that quickly sorted out and had a great rest of the day.  In fact, we got confused around 7:15 when this yellow ball started appearing in the sky.  After two days of fog and wet the sun had finally decided to peeks it’s head out.

This segment is special in that it is the only time riders can ride in four different states.  We start in VA and then cross WV, MD and finally into PA.  Our team is one that likes to stay on the bike and ride.  We rode for 2 hours before taking a quick break at the WV line to take pictures.  After that we cruised through WV and crossed in to MD.  A wrong turn threw our support vehicle on to the highway and lost us for an hour but the medics and massage were right there with us.  We were also able to meet up with Milt’s Angels to coordinate a transition.

The final hour of our ride was really nice.  The PA farm country was beautiful and the team enjoyed each other’s company.  Team is the operative word.  In cycling, to be successful, you need a team to support you.  You can’t “win” without the team.  And, in a race, even though only one member of the team might win, it the success of the whole team.  Cancer patients have their own teams.  Their team consists of themselves, family members, friends and other support.  The goal is to “win” against cancer.  The warrior hopefully wins that battle but it is the whole team that rejoices and celebrates.  C3’so goal is help the wins become more common and the losses dwindle to nothing!