Winter training rides continued in Macon this morning. Our group rode at a nice, steady pace of about 18.5 mph for 60 miles. That may sound like a fast pace if you're a non-cyclist, but we take advantage of the draft effect, similar to race cars and flying geese. (We needed it today; it was rather breezy!) The amount of effort I have to put out drafting in a group like this is equivalent to me riding around 16 mph by myself.
During Daylight Saving Time, we have group rides on Tuesdays and Thursdays after work. These are essentially practice races. In fact, we affectionately call them Worlds, as in World Championships. I ride with a group that goes 30-35 miles at around a 21-mph pace with an occasional attack (hard interval). By the way, even though I no longer do mass-start races, I feel comfortable riding in Macon because our group is much smaller than the one in my crash, and, more importantly, I am very familiar with my friends' riding styles. Anyway, Tuesday/Thursday Worlds are a lot of fun - and certainly a challenge - but by the time fall gets here, I'm ready for a change.
Right now we're building base mileage. We'll increase our distance over the next few months, pushing toward 100 miles (perfect training for A Year of Centuries!). Then, as spring approaches, I'll be primed for Worlds to resume. Cycling, like life, has its seasons. I think the key to happiness is learning to enjoy them all.
I love to ride my bicycle. In April 2012 I was involved in a serious crash in a bicycle race. A Year of Centuries is a way for me to express my gratitude for my recovery from the crash. In 2013 I will ride one century (100 miles in a single ride) each month. Each century will highlight a charitable organization that is particularly meaningful to me. I hope you’ll come along for the ride, supporting these groups and maybe even pedaling a few miles with me! - Betty Jean Jordan
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Charity Logo
Charity of the Month
CHARITY OF THE MONTH - HEIFER INTERNATIONAL
In December I am riding for Heifer International. Founded in 1944, Heifer International works with communities around the world to end hunger and poverty and to care for the Earth. Its approach is more than a handout. Heifer provides animals (e.g., heifers, goats, water buffalos, chickens, rabbits, fish, and bees) and training to impoverished people in over 30 countries. The animals can give milk, meat, or eggs; provide draft power; or form the basis of a small business. Communities make their own decisions about what crops, animals, and market strategies make sense for their everyday conditions and experiences.
Heifer International is based on 12 Cornerstones, such as Sustainability; Genuine Need and Justice; and Gender and Family Focus. Perhaps the best known Cornerstone is Passing on the Gift, in which Heifer recipient families pass on the offspring of their animals to others in need. In this way, whole communities can raise their standard of living.
A donation to Heifer International also can make a wonderful alternative holiday gift. Instead of yet another sweater for Grandma that she really doesn’t need, why not donate a Heifer animal or a share of an animal in her honor? Does your child really need so many new toys? Instead of five new toys, give him/her three new toys and a Heifer flock of chicks. Heifer has honor cards to let your loved ones know of your gift on their behalf.
I have set up a Team Heifer page to support Heifer International through A Year of Centuries. My goal is to raise $500. Please make your donation through https://teamheifer.heifer.org/AYearofCenturies. If you would like more information about Heifer’s work, please visit www.heifer.org. Whether you give to honor a loved one or make a regular donation, thank you for taking steps to transform the world for the better.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
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