165 miles for Tour de Cure Diabetes Ride

Thank you for the generous contributions from so many! I know how the economy has made it a challenge and I want you all to know that your support, whether monetary or in friendship inspired me to do this ride.

The weather was perfect- warm, dry and sunny- both days. We (Dan from PCS and I and 200 others) did 85 miles on Saturday from Woburn up through Andover and to the NH coast and around the ocean front homes and farms in Rye and then to the UNH campus where we ate and spent the night. Made a new friend Lisa, and rode most of the way with her good company. Also Parker, from my Monday night ECV ride and spinning classes, was doing the 7 day 550 mile ride. It was amazing to see all the different bikes lined up together- like different personalities, some very "tricked out!"

We had rain while we slept but woke up to drying pavement. Just as I started out I noticed I had two nearly flat tires and thankfully the support included mechanics to fix me up. An hour or so later a truck pulled up beside me to let me know I had missed a turn over a couple miles back so I got a few extra miles turning around. I pointed out that there were more riders ahead of me on the wrong turn so they chased down about a dozen people who did even more extra mileage. It was great to have 'on top of it' ride help.

The second day was pretty hilly at times and the scenery up the Maine coast was gorgeous and windy so it was a little slower but we still made a pretty decent pace both days. It was most inspiring to ride with so many people wearing "Riding with Diabetes" shirts.

After the bus ride home, I wanted just to sit down with a glass of wine and watch the day's stage of the Tour de France. Well, at some point later I woke up on the couch with a full glass of wine in my hand and something else on the TV. Hmmm.

Much love and thanks to you all!

Ann