Keep on Pedaling

I woke up this morning with great anticipation. I had a great ride yesterday and completed my goal of 36 miles and I felt great! The ride was beautiful, the weather was perfect, and the scenery was breath taking. So my expectations for this morning’s ride were high.


I got ready at the parking lot of Jack and Adams, and the plan was to ride 20 miles from downtown to South Austin all the way to Akins High School. I have done this ride before and is 9 miles going up the hill. Not an easy one for me.

Starting my ride on the first hill my chain got out of place, that settled the tone for the entire ride. I was behind and fortuneless I kept my self behind for the rest of the ride. I hear from yesterday that the wind factor would be difficult today, but I decided not to pay attention and I kept on going.

The wind gusted to over 20 miles per hour. The whole ride was very scary for me. I was afraid to fall going down the hills, I was afraid of the hills going up, I was afraid of the traffic and the cars, I was afraid to cross the major interceptions such as Ben While and Slaughter Lane, I lacked confident of my bike and my own straight to keep up, and I was terrified by the wind.

This is a “no drop” ride, meaning that there is always some one with you. At this particular ride it was Draw from Jack and Adams who led everyone. Though out the ride, I was having the hardest time and my interior voice kept on telling me to quit and to go home. So why try?” And through out the ride Draw was telling me, “you are doing great, watch your petal technique, look behind, change your gear.”

At one point going from Akins High School to the first main intersection at Slaughter lane and First Street, we needed to pass this very long bridge. The wind got stronger and no matter how much I tried I could no go faster than 8 miles per hour, but what it really scared me was the wind against my bike, moving it from left to right and completely getting my bike out of control.

I got very stress out and nervous; I started to break and my idea was to stop, get out of my bike, and let some one pick me up after the ride. Draw noticed it, and he said “keep on pedaling; even with this strong wind you will keep a better control and you will finish the ride.” Keep on pedaling, was the message that stock in my head.

How many times we are working toward our goals and we have our support friends cheering us up and we have our other friends who also love us but can not understand our drive? Do you have some of those? I know I do. This is what they say to me: “you are doing too much,” “men are scare of women with strong wills,” and “maybe you should take a break.” You see, none of these advises are really bad per say. They mean well for sure, but the underline effect is tremendously negative. There is a big difference between “keep on pedaling” or “break and stop.”

When you are wondering if you can keep going who do you prefer to listen to? The discourage voice? Or, the encourage one? When we are at a weak point and ready to quit, is hard to listen to "keep going" for sure but we know in our hart that we must keep going.

To keep on pedaling is what I want you to choose. Draw said it this morning, "even when is hard and you are going slowly, you are still moving forward and you will finish." I completed my 20 miles this morning last. I was very upset with my performance, but every one from the team was cheering me up and with that kind of support I began to feel great and satisfied with my accomplishment.

Please remember, when you feel that the wind is pushing you back, choose to keep on pedaling. Believe me, the finish line is a sweet spot to be in even if you are the last one to make it there.

Keep on Pedaling!