Here's her television interview about the project: Park City TV Morning Show
Indeed the thought of cycling from Salt Lake City, Utah to Henderson Nevada was an exciting idea. Why? Well, because I love cycling, I love taking time off of work (who doesn't?), I love spending time with friends and I love doing good for others. So, this should be a piece of cake...right? Right!?
When you boil this all down - the actual task of riding a bicycle from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas - is a big deal. Don't believe me? Well, here is a short list of the potential downsides and problems facing someone willing to ride 565 miles on a bicycle in 6 days:
Training:
I'm a rookie rider - which means I just need to get out and train my legs...right? Well, that is true, but come to find out there's actually a bigger problem to deal with right out of the chute. My "taint." My what!? Apparently it is a task in and of itself to train the inner "sit-upon" to endure such
a ride such that it doesn't feel overly sat-upon. Without proper endurance training in this area a rider is left to feel discomfort to a level never before experienced. Indeed, as if the fist of a Hell's Angel Biker, honed from many a bar-brawl and outfitted with the customary brass-knuckles to the tune of hardened steel had been firmly placed in that most sensitive of areas...for 6 hours...every day...for 6 days. Indeed - there may not be enough chamois cream to quench the fire below.July heat:
So, coupled with our general inexperience and a two month training window, we would also be spending a significant amount of time riding in heat exceeding 100 degrees. Heat exhaustion, heat stroke, sun burn and general discomfort were all likely possibilities as we cycled into wind that seemed warmed from the very fires of hell itself. Indeed the heat related factors alone forced several of our riders off of their bikes until their bodies could withstand the torment once again.
Lack of sleep:
Ride, ride, ride then ride some more - then eat - then sleep - then
get up ridiculously early and do it again - and again. To minimize riding in the heat as much as possible it was critical that our rides begin at first light. This meant crawling out of bed (cot, bag, etc...) after a night tormented by ravenous mosquitos, ignoring any pain from the previous day as well as the significant fire in the sit-upon and getting on the road at 5:30am.The body's revolt:
Even though some mention has been given to various potential body "issues" it is noteworthy to mention again. Once the body starts revolting issues will arise with the frequency of procreating rabbits at a bunny-love-in and the ferocity of a bitch-slapped badger. The body is not accustomed to being abused in such a way and will, in its own special way, give you the middle finger at various points in the trip. Just because a particular piece of you isn't touching the bike doesn't mean it isn't going to rise up against you. So - to my knees, legs, feet, ankles, toes, shoulders, neck, back, ankles, fingers, hands and wrists I say "I'm sorry and well done!". To my taint - yes my sweet innocent sit-upon to whom I have meted out consistent and ferocious abuse in ways that shouldn't be mentioned - I say unto you "thank you" and..."let's never speak of this again..."
Shame and ridicule from one's friends:
This shouldn't happen...but it did - er - does happen. I finally acquiesced and purchased several pair of those tight - stretchy cycling shorts. For some reason I used to call them "biker" shorts but heaven help the "biker" that's caught wearing them. Now, these
shorts at best are just a crazy turtleneck version of a speedo...that's it. So, how was I supposed to know that it's actually worse to wear underwear under them. Oh - that's not talked about...no...it's something you don't learn until you see your buddy with nothing between him and the world heaving the stretchies up over his nakedness. And, forget...especially at that point to innocently ask if you're not supposed to wear underwear underneath. Yes, forget about that possibility since it will bring you nothing but future shame and torment. Hello! It's called "under" wear. Geez! Plus, now that you're an official "naked underneath" guy everything that God gave you in that region is there for the world to admire or ridicule.So, with all the potential downsides - why do it? Simply this...I believe people inherently want to do good things, help others and have a real need for fun and levity in their lives. But, most people don't feel they have the extra time to spearhead a fund-raising effort such as Allie. Indeed the thought of such an undertaking would make most adults cringe. But in life, people do take the time to have fun to alleviate the pressure of life created by many of life's "have to's."
The mission of FunForAChange is to provide opportunities to have massive amounts of fun to alleviate the pressure and tension of life while making a huge difference in the lives of others.
So, bring on the fun, bring on the change!
