My bike trip to Austin was amazing. It was truly a life changing experience. I met so many new friends and was energized by all the cancer survivors and advocates who live every day positively strong. I plan on returning next year. Fundraising is not my forte but I have more time to get the bucks rolling in for 2009.

After I returned I immediately had another reconstruction surgery and then two weeks later a hysterectomy. The lack of exercise and training due to recovery has been extremely hard. I was riding my bike almost everyday and cross-training so the dramatic switch made me a little stir crazy and sad. Sad because the trip was over. I missed my teammates more than I thought I would.

I have much to be thankful for. 2009 is going to be awesome. I am so excited about my new cycling team. Our sponsors are secured, our uniforms (aka “kits”) are in production and the women have been absolutely wonderful to me and my family as I have been recovering.

Thanks to everyone who helped make this trip a reality. (My loving husband and family, friends, neighbors, my church, the YMCA..the list goes on and on.)

Until next time. (Hopefully sooner than later.)

XOXO, Rene

I’m so thankful. Thank you friends, family, Covenant, the YMCA, strangers..everyone who has made this trip possible. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You. Please go to the team blog and read about our adventure. Any and all comments are very inspiring.

Mike and I stopping to enjoy the view. (left) Toby’s mountain bike-the only way I’ll ever be faster than him!

I was testing out my new saddle (aka seat), new clips (on my shoes), AND my new bike shorts. Everything felt great! My left knee had a few minor aches, but is definitely much better and on its way to complete recovery. The view on the route is always great. I was expecting more color from the leaves, but they have not completely turned yet.

Team 3 (minus Beth)..Yep I was sporting my new capri pants!

34 miles and I was done. I did get the opportunity to provide sag support however. Joe (one of our drivers to Austin..who happens to be 69 years young ) rode the 35 miles to Happy Cow creamery and did a great job keeping up with everyone. It is really cool to watch cyclist in action for 56 miles.

I’ve been “babying” my knee this week. I have not been riding my bike at all. (although I taught two cycle classes) I think I put too many miles on a bike that did not fit me properly. No worries..I am getting fitted tonight AND a friend had an extra saddle that he graciously gave me. Overall-I’m very excited about my new/borrowed bike. I plan on riding with the group tomorrow…I’ll let you know how the knee feels!
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My friend Stacy gave me Ms. Biker to take on my trip. The new TREK bike my friend Crystal is letting me borrow.

Last week I was again totally humbled by all the friends who helped with my Jazz Jam to conquer cancer fundraiser. We had a fun night AND together raised over $3,500.00. Three more weeks, and approximately $1,500.00 more to raise. No worries, because like my new friend Jeni explains in her story, I was told the words “I can’t” should never come out of my mouth because “can’t never could”. (in my head..I hear the word can’t in the most southern draw. It’s pronounced “kaay’nt” –remembering the accent of my childhood swim coach in Tuscaloosa, Alabama)

Mike and Lisa dancin at the Jazz Jam (left) silent auction-in action.

“By accident” I got to hang out and have a good laugh with 5 of the P3C3 team members on Friday night. We were totally blessed that no one was seriously injured. Because I was the only one who did not hit the asphalt – I felt the luckiest of all! (I had my turn two weeks ago.) I also spent an entire day with my daughter and her Girl Scout troop at Camp Wabak and truly enjoyed myself. (I’ll admit my attitude about past events has not always been as positive.)

Madison hammering her bird house (left) Madison exchaging “swops” (handmade pins)..boy has Girl Scouts changed over the years.

I believe my time spent last week was meaningful and that helps calm my constantly restless mind. (yes..even more than the beer did after the big crash and the one I plan to enjoy after my ride today.) My health concerns this past year have forced me to take note of my time spent. Stress management and the search/battle for the “slow life” are key components to my personal wellness plan. In the past my plate would be full and I’d gladly take on seconds. I’m learning to say no or I “kaay’nt” to the things that may not be as consequential to the “big picture”- that I’m trying to catch a glimpse of. (Much easier said than done.)

I’m also learning to fundraise. Got money? Every dollar helps. Thanks again for all your love and support.

10 miles into the 100 mile ride..feeling good! (left) The “Fast” gang aprox. 60 miles into the ride.

The following week I did my first night ride. We all have new led lights mounted on our bikes. I rode 40 miles in the dark! I got off the bike at 10:00pm and back on at 7:30 am for an 85 mile ride….my bottom was very unhappy with me.

Joe helping Kristen with her new light.

Kelly..blazing away with Beth somewhere close. (left) Heather and I keepin up.

The following day Mike and I rode the P3 ride on the US pro course and stayed around to volunteer at a beer booth to fundraise for my upcoming ride to Austin. We were stationed right next to the Hincapie Family. They were totally gracious- of course it helps that Mike can speak Spanish and is naturally a “talker”.

The team is called “Donne Calda”. “Donne Calda is a dynamic group of passionate women who are active in the upstate and who are blazing a trail for both new and experienced female athletes. We are energetic, wholehearted and spirited about every woman’s potential.” (Straight from our draft proposal we are currently creating to acquire sponsorships.) Donne Calda is Italian for passionate (or hot) ladies. We are currently working on our logo, website, sponsorship proposal and of course how to ride as a team. Our individual commitment is for the 2009 year. We are all committed to do at least 11 events. The ladies on the team are diverse in age, personal background and cycling level. But they are all passionate and totally fun to be around. I can’t wait to tell everyone more about us!

I won a bottle of Chardonnay. Yeehaw! Check out Mike right behind me after we got out of the pool!

Then we drove to my Aunt Gail and Uncle Jody’s dairy farm in Faunsdale Alabama. The kids really got a kick out of seeing all the cows!

Before heading to Florida we spent two nights with my cousin Kim’s- 10 miles from Abbeville Alabama and enjoyed their spacious property that included a really cool creek. (Not to mention little Mac had a dirt bike and four wheeler!)

Prior to going to the wedding we stopped at my Mom’s in Bradenton and enjoyed Santa Maria Island and Lido Beach for two days.

Lastly the wedding. MOST beautiful EVER!!