Taking The Tour
Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 7:43AM What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. That is the rule right? Well it didn’t work out for me that way.
It was last summer at the AADE convention that I attended when I decided to do something so out of the box for me that I almost regret going. Almost.
Hanging out with my brother Scott and the crew from Diabetes Care Club, who graciously invited me to attend, made for a good time. One day Scott and I were walking around the exhibit hall when we ran into Mari Ruddy.
“George, you have to meet Mari,” Scott says in a way that you can tell he really means it.
Mari instantly talked to me like we were old friends (I love that about the OC) and told me about the ADA Tour de Cure Red Rider program and why she founded it.
This moment probably only lasted a few minutes but it ended with both Mari and I tearing up and saying goodbye with a hug.
It was awesome.
That moment I decided that I was going to sign up for the Tour de Cure. So I did.
And now I have to do it.
Am I scared? YES!
Am I worried? YES!
Do I think I can do it? YES!
Why?
Because I know that all of you guys will be behind me. I am not doing this ride for anyone but myself. To prove to myself that I can do things I never thought possible.
Now, I signed up for the 32 mile ride which to some may seem like not a big deal but to those of you who just thought, “whoa 32 miles!” you get what I am feeling. I have NEVER done ANYTHING like this before. But I am excited. Scared and excited.
I bought this sweet bike that I have been riding to get ready for the Tour. My son and two of my very best friends are going to be riding with me as Team Ninjabetic.
So know the uncomfortable part.
If it is at all possible that you could donate even the smallest amount to my ride I would GREATLY appreciate it.
I set an ambitious goal but I figure the goal to ride is a big deal so I should also decide on a dollar amount that matches it.
Last time I did a fundraiser it was folded into a big party, a giant rocking team, and a weekend I will never ever forget.
This time it’s about me proving to myself that I am not a fat, pathetic loser. This time it’s about finding the ability and courage to do something I never ever saw myself doing.
I know I can do this and with your support I bet next year I can even double my distance.
Reader Comments (9)
Awesome!!! Good luck with training and all that :)
I just found your blog and in many ways am in your exact shoes. I signed up for the Tour de Cure in Nashville (30 mile ride), not having been on a bike in 15 years. I bought a bike and started telling people I was doing this because then, I would have to do it. So you are not alone out there on that 29th mile because, this guy diagnosed Type I 6 months ago, is also proving to him self that he is not a fat pathetic loser that can finish a damn long 30 mile ride and raise some support and money and for the beetis is with you.
rock. on. with. your. bad. ass. self.
i hope your lent sacrifice/replacement has also helped you towards this goal! ;)
Woohoo, George! I'm so thrilled and proud that you're doing this! Go you! :)
How can I post a better comment than Shannon? I can't, so ditto what she said! And GO Chad! I'm super proud of both of you guys!
George,
I am so incredibly proud of you! You CAN do this. Please send me a quick email. I may have an offer you can't refuse to help you get to your ride!!! Which Tour are you doing??????
GO RED RIDER!
Mari
I met Mari at the ADA Expo last fall. Just simply standing between her and Heather gave me an incredible burst of energy!
So awesome!!!! You can totally do this George! Go Red Rider!!!!
Go George!! I am training for the 65 mile ride in Rhode Island, and have the same fear, excitement, and anticipation. I started biking a year ago and feel comfortable with 30 miles, but I decided to push myself to try 65 for the TdC this year. We can do it!