Archive-URL: http://search.bikelist.org/getmsg.asp?Filename=sir.10806.0022.eml
From: "Jennifer Chang" <insipidperson(AT)juno.com>
Date: Mon, 9 Jun 2008 11:42:45 GMT
Subject: [SIR] After SIR 4 Passes 600K

Hello Randonneurs,
In an impulsive moment, I've decided to post my 3:30 am journal rambling
, as I feel it reflects sentiments of all of us, who attempt these hard 
rides.  Thank you to multitude of SIR organizers and volunteers, who mak
e these rides possible!
Jennifer

Monday, June 9,  2008
3:30 AM
After SIR 4 Passes 600K
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fice" /> 

 

I've slept, and it's 3:30 am, and I'm up because I can't breathe and my 
system seems to be shutting down, but I am happy!  How do you explain th
at!
 

I keep waivering back and forth about this randonneuring stuff.  It's re
ally one of the most difficult things I've done in my life and I am SO m
iserable, while I'm doing it, though I have moments, like when I was cli
mbing White Pass and the sun rose slowly over the creek, and I knew I wa
s one of the few that witnessed the light hitting the craggy walls and m
ountain grandeur, and I was going wow, and wow, you know.  

 

The worst moment is when you've done over hundred miles and the sun is s
etting and it's beautiful, and you want the ride to end, just like that,
 in ease, after the hard day, you wish to literally ride off into the su
nset, into hot showers, warm food and soft bed, and you've got OVER hund
red miles to go!  That's, for me, psychologically, the hardest part.  

 

But, these randonneur rides end in crescendo, in heart beat, in racing b
eat, as you race against the time, hard, into finishline and you cross, 
not really into beautiful sunset, but into someone's garage, in dark, or
 a strange motel lobby, and there are lights, late into the night, and t
here are friendly cyclists, who are staying up, waiting for you!  Lookin
g out for the lost sheep.  And you go, wow, I did it.  I finished it.  A
nd it's an addicting high.  Very, very addicting.  

 

I always love the randonneuring ride, after it's done.  How could you no
t?  I love the other rides, too, for the comfort at the end of the hard,
 beautiful day.  I don't have to choose, but does that mean I have to co
ntinue with randonneuring?  

 

It's hard on my body.  So hard on my body.  Takes me to my limits., phys
ical, mental, emotional.  Period.  But, in those limits, I am aware of m
y boundaries.  Boundaries that define, I.  And I feel sizzlingly alive, 
within my set limits.  I am not infinite, but I am I.
 

It's addicting.  It's the high.
 

 

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