To know me is to know I am a HUGE bike fan. Today was the prologue of the Tour De France. This really does not do a whole lot except determine who will wear the yellow jersey on the first day of the race and give people a chance to see riders for the first time.
For the longest time the past 6 years since my TN relapsed for the first time I would watch the Tour De France and end up crying. I must have this thing for self torture. All I would think is I miss my bike. Now granted I would never come even close to being, say a Lance Armstrong, but still I would love to get out and go. My saying was have bike, will travel. Thing is something like a simple breeze on my face could have me in such pain I was not willing to risk going and out and crashing when I got hit with a TN attack.
For a very long time I was very depressed over the loss of being able to ride. Then I thought, " Sarah you dumbshit. Instead of looking at what you can not do, look at what you can do." So I started thinking about it. Something hit me like a ton of bricks dropped from a hot air balloon. A big thing at the Tour was bell ringing half way through the race, and a certain distance from the finish line. The sound of the bell lets riders on the course know where they are.
I have a cowbell. Since my TN relapsed in June of 2005 and again March of this year, I have rung it at the finish lines of the following events. I do not say this to say pat my back, but to make a point.
3 Portland Oregon Lance Armstrong Foundation Live Strong Challenges
3 finish lines Seattle to Portland ( 4th coming up at the end of the month.)
2 first rest stops Worse day of the year ride
2 First Ride of the Year
1 Portland Century
Each time, I carry with me a fanny pack that has my TN medications with me. Shoot the last year I did the Live Strong Challenge I was so loopy of all the TN meds I was on at the time, I almost did not go. Then I figured this was a event for cancer patients and chances were I would not be the only one there floating high off meds ;o)
I challenge you to look not at what you have lost due to TN, but to see if there is not a way to "Rethink" what you love to do. No, bell ringing is not the same as riding, but if gives me a way to stay a part of a sport I love. Do you love to run? I know of a couple of running clubs who would love to have people to encourage people as they train. Love to read, but can not get out to get to your local libaray? Call and see if they have a book by mail service.
HUGE HUGS,
Sarah