Team Ducky members dispersed today and traveled to our respective homes. It was hard to leave LA and say good-bye and let go of this week. But it all went so quickly it was also hard to take a moment to take it all in. That will happen soon enough. We all took tons of pictures that we plan on consolidating on one CD soon and sending it to whom ever wants one. And I will write more as I have time to think, but here are my thoughts (after being home three hours)!
This was an awesome experience. From the beginning in January when everyone signed up and we all made a commitment to Team Ducky, it has been awesome. Then came the conference calls, getting to know one another, logistics, fundraising and parties and not to mention tons of training. We did it and everything, everything worked out so smoothly you would think we were professionals. Everything we did was like clockwork.
Thomas and I rode quite a bit together throughout the ride. Then Thomas encouraged us both to embrace our pace and we rode separately as well. On day 7, yesterday, we rode all 60 miles together. Riding together was the best. Riding alone was necessary and good in it’s own way too. But riding with Thomas is like a party all the way. So many photo opportunities! And he’s very safe and conscientious as a rider, like me. But unlike me, he does love the descents and embraces 30+ mph downhill speeds where I tap my brakes to keep under 25 mph as speed on a bike scares the ever livin’ heck out of me. My hands hurt so bad from trying to keep under 25 mph on 7 mile descents (like after the Evil Twins on day 4)… As crazy as it sounds I prefer the climbing over the descents!
Seeing our Team Ducky Roadie’s in camp on day 1, 3 and 5-7 made our day. It made the days that we did not see them, bearable knowing that we would see them soon. When mom saw us come in on day 1 she cried and that made me cry. That day we also reconnected with two past members of Advance team A who cheered us in: Liza and Diane. It was awesome to see them.
Sleeping in the tents kind of sucked because they are getting old and they have no water resistance anymore. Hopefully they will invest in new tents next year. Day 5 in Lompoc was a blast because Martha met us and we had rooms at the Best Western and we basically partied, at and slept very soundly. Next night was the candlelight vigil and towards the end, Team Ducky formed our own circle of candles and in that few moments our resolve and commitment to the cause and to each other was very vivid and strong, as in the entire event.
I felt very different physically this ride than two years ago in ALC3. I felt so much stronger, especially on the hills. I guess thanks to my training! Very cool. But I know it was MORE than that. Our team energy etc…
I must go because I am falling asleep.
Thank you to all of our Team Ducky supporters! You are awesome and made it possible.
XOXOXO -Jane
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