Cycling in the Berkshires? For a reason that I can not explain sounded to me much like an opportunity to recapture the splendor of the western Massachusetts wind whipping through my hair by virtue of my own pedaling power! In all actuality I was anticipating my hair lying quite flat with absolutely no movement whatsoever.
I volunteered when I heard of this particular ride through Daphne, High Priestess of Phoenix Rising. Shawn, she said, was looking for riders to form a team to represent the SEF for this cycling adventure. I haven't ridden in years so maybe it is time to spin the spokes.
I let Shawn know that I was willing to ride with the team and that I will be riding the 175 miles. Shawn looked upon me and a small silence ensued, then he smiled and said "WONDERFUL!" I walked away from him saying to myself, "what are you thinking?" That's just it, I wasn't thinking. Oh, just jump right in Runa and search for the paddle later. Having made this commitment, I set out to learn how to ride the bike again.
Late April I was dabbling at the gym and at mid May I brought my bike to Spring Retreat to do some riding in the neighborhood. I pedaled only a few miles and screamed loudly to myself, "Oh man, what am I doing?" I have pedaled only a few! I told Shawn I would ride 175 miles with Team WOF! Heavy sigh. Ooooh, boy.
I trained mid May, June, and July. As the weeks poured out, I could feel myself getting a little better and a little stronger, and I was really starting to get into the rhythm of the ride. I was beginning to have fun! Shawn and I managed to get one good training ride in. His training ride proceeded to lead me down to Plymouth, MA. To "DO" some "HILLS" on Route 3A. Yes, I lost sight of him, but alas! There at the top of the last of several hills we mounted, he awaited my arrival. He greeted me with a smile and an ahhhh! It's time to go back down the hills we just conquered, destination lunch!
We ordered lunch and the folks waiting on us would first glance at Shawn and then to me, then back to him, their eyes opened very wide. I think they would have given us anything we wanted because this is what they saw — 89 degree heat and humidity, two cyclists, one tall, thin, in-shape man, who positively looks like he belongs on a bicycle, and one short, fat woman with a cherry red face who positively looks like she belongs under a shade tree with a tall glass of lemonade spiked with vodka.
We ate and chit chatted and fueled up, then we started pedaling back toward home. I finished the day with a 70 mile ride under my belt. Sprawled across my bed that evening I fell asleep with the affirmation that "this can only get easier." Ugh!
A week later I headed back down to Plymouth to do more of those same hills. I kept training on and off while working, keeping house and yard and all those chores that come with owning a home. I was feeling a little more confident, alas.
Then, as all would know, a horrific event happened to Shawn. Fate was sealed and Shawn's dew-rag that he was wearing that morning would be tied to my bike and 175 miles it would ride. So Mote It Be!
Day 0: August 12th
Adair and Marin, I want to thank you for your hospitality in letting me stay at your home out in Middlefield, MA so as to rise early and be ready for the ride in the morning. My daughter Emily accompanied me and was a powerful support. My love knows no bounds for her. Thank you Em!
Day 1: August 13th
I arrived at Berkshire Community College at 6:30 a.m. and the music was playing, bicycles were being checked for safety, breakfast was being served up and jovial communication could be heard throughout the parking lot. I introduced myself to some of the fellow riders and pictures were being taken. The call to gather for the announcements boosted out of the hand held speaker and then this tremendous pumping pep talk came bellowing out from the middle of the crowd, piping "THIS IS THE VICTORY LAP! CELEBRATE AND REJOICE! WE HAVE ALL WON FOR WE ARE ALL ON THE SAME TEAM! ENJOY THIS RIDE AND KEEP EACH OTHER SAFE!" With that said, we began exiting through an archway of red balloons and headed up just one of the numerous hills to come. Riding along the road ways of these small western towns, one couldn't help but notice that they are really, really hilly. Oh well, what is one to do. Just keep pedaling, Runa, seems to have been the mantra I gravitated to.
Once my nervous tension subsided, I began to realize that I need to peel my eyes off the pavement and take a good look around at the landscape. It was then I realized as I view the distant mountains that they were hidden elusively behind a mist that was as thick as a steam bath, as a matter of fact it was beginning to feel as if I was in fact taking a steam bath! Just keep pedaling Runa, just keep pedaling.
I relaxed into the rhythm of the ride and started to enjoy my own company because there is no one with or around me. Just when I thought I was doing a good piece of pedaling, a challenge presented itself. It's just an incline, winding through the Berkshire Hills, Oh man! I began summoning for all GODS and GODDESSES of Olympic portions to help push and pull me up this "INCLINE!" Apparently I needed to stop being alone! I began to tackle this piece of back road with a lot of heavy breathing and grunting, thinking to myself that I could not possibly be making these wild verbal noises. O.k., as long as they get me through this, I'm not caring what they sound like.
Three quarters of the way up that dreadful incline, I stopped to regroup myself and there was a SAG wagon blasting music on the side of the road. A man and woman came over to me and asked if I was ok? By the way they were gazing at me I had the distinct feeling that the "cherry red face" was in full bloom! I replied, yes, I'm good. I took a long drink of this bottle of gold called "Gatorade" when this VW bug pulled off the road to where I was standing. The driver was the photographer for this cycling event and I definitely was thinking... please don't take my picture at this very moment in time. It wouldn't be conducive to next year's Ad Campaign. He came over to me and said "you are doing so good!" I thanked him while still swigging on my bottle of gold when he offered me something, something I will never forget. He leans towards me and says, "I have some good-n-plenty, would you like some?" My brain was searching for something... and it came up empty, my mouth blurted out the word "sure" in confused astonishment. He ran to his car and ran back to me. I held out my hand and into it he shook a few good-n-plenty. I tossed them into my mouth and chewed, and he exclaims with a vibrant smile, "that will do the trick!" I laughed and studied him for a moment, then began to finish the incline. Good, after another grueling mile of this incline a small flat spot presented itself, yeah! I stopped again for a moment, amazing; I can still taste the good-n-plenty. Giggle, laugh, and giggle!
After conquering that dreadful incline, I was feeling like I had been crossing the Sahara when at the top of this hill I viewed a most magnificent sight. If I'm not hallucinating, I see a gaggle of "WITCHES" perched at the top of the hill cheering on the riders pedaling
into the town of Plainfield! What a sight to see! Shawn's presence there was inspiring! I was happy for him that he could come and take part to witness his fellow riders breezing into this pit stop on their besoms with wheels... LOL! The SEF pit crew was jovial in the usual manner and congratulated me, wanting to know how I was doing? My only reply was, well, I am out there getting to know myself and it is brutally honest! We erupted into laughter, then I went to refuel before proceeding on the journey to the town of Northampton.
The rest of the day became grueling as the temperature hit 100 degrees and humid. I really couldn't give any mind to that, so I concentrated on not getting lost. Following the specific marks on the road kept my mind on my pedaling. A few more cheering pit stops ahead and then on to the home stretch! For pretty much most of the day I've been riding alone. Good thing because that heavy breathing was getting monotonous. I arrived in Northampton to see yet another Witch who was standing there with camera in hand smiling at me. Thanks Endymion, I must be a sight. Overall, it was a fabulous day. I shared a meal with my coven mate and all was well.
Day 2: August 14th
100 miles today kids, let's ride! Much of the same scenario as far as the weather is concerned, 98 degrees, hazy, hot and humid. Oh well, as a navy seal friend of mine says, "The only easy day was yesterday." He is so right! The mission for the day was to get from point A to point B still smiling. Sailing through the Quabbin Reservoir was a pleasure and meeting some of the town folks in Petersham was a delight. Ah, 35 miles left. Just keep pedaling, Runa, just keep pedaling. Two flat tires today, but alas, it was an easy fix. Have extra tubes, will travel.
More alone time rolling through more small towns, with the knowledge that the finish line is getting a bit closer with every revolution of my pedals. At the finish line, my daughter and her boyfriend greeted me with a bouquet of flowers and hugs and kisses and all the really good stuff that goes along with doing something for the higher good. Mission accomplished, yeah! So Mote It Be!
To sum up this two day adventure is to say, "This ride was an extreme challenge, physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually, and cycling around through the Berkshires with its beautiful vistas and lakes filled with the exotic aroma of the pond lilies was worth all the sweat and grunting and heavy breathing and the euphoria of the down hills. For it was a pleasure because all of us have simply changed the lives of strangers for the better." Shawn, I want to thank you for all the knowledge and support you gave me to accomplish this task. Your dew rag has been duly returned to you with pride -- be well, my friend, and we will ride together soon. - Blessed be, Runa
Click here for more stories about the 2005 ride
Click here for photos of the 2005 Hogwarts pit stop
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