2007

2007 is heading out the door faster that a drunk hooker that fell asleep in church confessing Saturday and woke up during Sunday morning service. It has been a strange year, full of loss and gain, hope and accomplishment. There were a few things that shaped the year more so than others and accounted for my happiness or at times misery.
- The first would be the breaking down of my car. A tale of horror all in itself that prevented me from doing many things but also allowed me to do so much more than I thought it ever would. The commute helped add miles to my training and assisted in the task of getting my sorry butt into shape. It also showed me (and continues to)the kindness in people's hearts and the selfishness in others still. It showed me what people will do for you just because of who they are or if they care about you because of who you are. Definitely a benchmark in 2007.
- I was invited to race for DeFeet (Greenville Women's Cycling Team). We are the only all woman cycling/mtb team in the state. Being part of this group of women has changed my life in so many ways. Their ability motivated me and I was able to learn from all of them, on and off the bike. Their friendships enriched my life in a way that I never though possible. They have become my sisters and a network of support. I look forward to all that we will accomplish together in 2008.
- Then there was the loss of someone that meant the world to me, that was one of the best friends I've had in my life. I can say that I wish things were different until I'm blue in the face OR I can take all the beauty that was part of the experience and carry it in my heart. Sometimes God's answer to a prayer is "No", sometimes it is "Not yet" and sometimes it is "I have something better in mind". I have to continue believing that there is something better in store for both of us though I think a part of my heart will always mourn. Happiness is all that I want for them more than anything - even if we couldn't find it together.
- I started riding with Arthur. Hands down one of the strongest riders I know and someone who has the ability to push, motivate and challenge me. I went from racing in the B group to riding with the A's at Donaldson. I wasn't the last person up Paris Mtn anymore. I was climbing better (though still not where I want to be) and just all around stronger. he has been a coach, a domestique, a mechanic and a friend and I know that this year would not have been the same without him.
- Lastly and most recently I had a wreck. I was riding my bike to work and a car turned into my path and we collided. I hit the front quarter panel of the car and was thrown over my handle bars onto his hood. The driver stopped as well as many other motorists who saw the accident which totaled my bike and broke my helmet. I'm still recovering. My back and neck are in poor shape, I'm having trouble sleeping... I suppose that many out there who thought I was crazy for commuting on my bike feel authenticated in their rantings. But I look at it like this, 100 years ago it wasn't safe for a black person to walk into a public restaurant and order a cheeseburger b/c of segregation and racism. Racism is ignorance. I feel the same way about those who think bikes shouldn't be allowed on the road. Now lets clarify a few things. I'm not talking about riding on the highway and I think that anyone who rides a bike in heavily traffic'd areas needs to be aware of the risks. Cyclists should make sure that they are visible, wearing bright clothing and lights and obey the laws of the road.
A big part of me wishes that EVERYONE had to go without a car for a week just to see what it was like. I feel sorry for people who think "I drive therefore I am" and that b/c they have the bigger, stronger car they are more important. We, cyclists, aren't blocking traffic... WE ARE TRAFFIC. I suppose the bottom line is that if the motorists that are vehemently opposed to having cyclists on the road put their effort into things like bike lanes instead of coddling their ignorance the world just might be a better place.

It is what it is. I know that I am blessed. I have people that love me and I get to wake up each morning and scrub Miss Maddee's belly. Praise God for today, tomorrow isn't promised.