I DID IT!!

I hardly slept last night. Diane finally got me to settle down around 10:30PM with “Goodbye, My Lady” This film is the only one of which I am aware that features the adorable Basenji in the title role of “Lady”

“Goodbye, My Lady” was made in 1956 featuring Walter Brennan, Phil Harris, Brandon De Wilde, Sidney Poitier, William Hopper directed by William Wellman.

Synopsis (from Rottentomatoes.com):

William Wellman directed this poignant tale of a young boy named Skeeter (Brandon De Wilde), his uncle Jesse Jackson (Walter Brennan), and the dog that brings joy into their lives. Skeeter is an orphan who lives with Jesse in the Pascagula Swamp in Mississippi, where lumber companies harvest cypress trees. One day Skeeter stumbles on an irreverent pooch that laughs instead of barks. The dog is also able to pick up scents at remarkable distances and cleans itself in a feline fashion. Things take an unexpected turn when Uncle Jesse agrees to allow Skeeter, who hopes to teach her to be a hunter, to keep her. Both De Wilde and Brennan give unsentimental, genuine performances. The understated story is well supported by beautiful black-and-white photography and an acoustic-guitar score, making GOODBYE, MY LADY a terrific family.

Check in time for the ride was 9:45. I was at the Courthouse by 9:20. I met a few of the board members for CBVI. When they found out it was my first ride, not just with them but ever they wanted to know more. The story of Mike’s battle with the SFT was moving. I almost started to cry myself. They assured me that when the time comes, when Mike is ready, they will have much to offer him in the way of rehab.

As event management went this wasn’t the best thing I’ve ever attended. I was disappointed that there weren’t more riders, more supporters, more vendors, more signage, more opportunities to buy event swag, and more solidarity between the riders. I wasn’t looking to make a new best friend and I don’t care if I see these people again really but we were all riding for the same charity and it just felt a little too “fend-for-yourself.”

Since I haven’t done anything like this before—well ok I’ve done the AIDS Walk in Philly 3 times—but I’ve never done a local event or a cycling event so I’ve nothing to compare this too and maybe this is just the way things are. I kept thinking what we need here are more improvisers, more comedians, more theater folks—to help make this event really exciting.

So yes, some of my worst fears were realized, snotty bike people. But nowhere near as snotty as I imagined. I guess I have a big imagination ;-)

Best and worst parts of today:

Best: The weather held and it was a perfect temperature for a long ride. Sunny 7o’s windy.

Worst: Too cold to stand around! Wind made it feel like 50’s.

Best: Free food and beverages for riders provided by Trader Joes, Starbucks, the local Dunkin Donuts, Iron Hill Brewery, and a caterer that didn’t put up a sign to say where they were from—GREAT CRAB CAKES!

Worst: Too few vendors, not many supporters, and not a lot for the few supporters who did show up to do while waiting for riders to return.

Best: Riding for Mike!

Worst: Riding alone L

Best: I trained for this ride. 13 Miles? Please.

Worst: It was SO much more challenging than anything I trained for. I am so happy I did a lot of hill work.

Best: Well that hill wasn’t so bad

Worst: Another HILL?!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME??!!

Best: ??? (sucking wind hard and it’s only been 2 miles)

Best: I’m doing this for Mike

Worst: ANOTHER HILL?

Best: THIS IS FOR MIKE

Worst: ANOTHER *&&^&*$%Worst: ANOTHER *&&^&*$%Worst: ANOTHER *&&^&*$%Worst: ANOTHER *&&^&*$%$&##$$#@@@!!!##$#@@@!!!amp;##$#@@@!!! Mile 6.6 Kelly on verge of serious tears, legs feel like hot irons. Dropped by group

Best: Mile 7 FLAT terrain FINALLY! Kelly catches up to group—who have stopped for a bathroom break, Kelly blows on past.

Worst: Group passes Kelly in about 5 minutes.

Best: Downhill for about 3 miles or so to last rest stop. Even though I’m riding alone I’m feeling like I’m doing something good for myself too. I’m doing this—event—really doing it-- *&^(*&^ hills and all and I’m not THAT far behind.

Worst: The longest steepest hill back to the courthouse is immediately around the corner from the rest area.

Best: I made a temporary riding friend who rode with me at the end of the group. We were two fatties together, sucking wind and enjoying a great day. Only 3.5 miles to go!

Best: There will be free food and full body massages on our return. 2 miles to go

Best: My Loki and my Wife Diane will be there to cheer me on my return. 1 mile to go

Best: I rode my first ever charity ride and lived to tell about it!! I will do this again! TRIUMPHANT RETURN!! 13.5 miles with a time of 1 hour 24 minutes.

Best: I won a prize for my fundraising effort—a new short sleeved cycling Jersey

Best: I did this for MIKE