So, now for the post ragbrai analysis. My friend Greta coined the term MYORB. Rachel Ray, a TV chef, uses the term MYOTO, which stands for make your own take out. Greta and I agree that term is pretty goofy. MYORB stands for make your own ragbrai. I love this as it stands to remind me that like the greater sea of folks we come from, ragbrai riders are a diverse group with different preferences and goals. For example, this year I discovered that C and Jason are right, its nicer to start riding after 9, when the roads are clearer. I want to always remember, however, that there are some folks who love getting up at 5:00 and in before noon. MYORB.
A few years ago on Ragbrai, I sagged for the first time. The upside, of course, was getting to spend the day with my beloved Marie, our driver. However, skipping a day of riding, making an unexpected change of plans, is not something that comes easily to me. Since that time, I have tried to practice accepting unexpected changes of plans in my everyday life with more grace, with smooth breathing and a calm heart. Still, I love to keep track of the unexpected things, new changes in the ride. My new firsts this year, riding off the route and starting at the half way town.
Riding off the route was a bit of a no brainer. We cut off almost 20 miles, 8 into a strong headwind and we knew we would ride on a paved road. Still, pretty exciting to be on rogue ragbrai and the see backwards rogue ragbrai in action.
Then today, a friend asked a question that sparked all kinds of revelations and happy anticipation for the future. "How are things for you post ragbrai?" My first impulse was to grumpiness. This despite the way life is humming along beautifully here. A wonderful dinner with friends, lots of laughter, last night. The kids enjoying their last few weeks of summer, a summer that has been so easy and filled with fun activities. Work is bustling with new babies, wonderful patients but still enough time to get out for some rides on my fabulous bike. Also last week, two flats assured me I can change a tire all by myself, if needed, on the road. One guy walking by said "Wow, I've never seen that done before." Obviously, not a biker, but still!
So still, in answer to that question, the first thing that showed up was a grumpy, "nothing is going on here!" But then I thought about the things coming up in the next few months.
K is starting 7th grade. A fact impressive enough on its own, but she is also interested in cross country and track. S and I are excited for her and to watch her journey. Right now I am her training partner. I love the time with her and her undivided attention but its a bit strenuous for me. She can run like the wind (in my unbiased opinion) but that comes from the Wileys, not me. My fastest pace is quite a bit slower than her slowest. The first time we ran together, she asked if I was going to be ok and called my pace "bouncy walking". She has not been as excited as I have been about the plan of me riding my bike while she runs. So soon she will have much faster folks to run with. I can't wait to watch this next part. All of it, not just the running. She is fabulous (again, unbiased).
This year s starts 3rd grade. Both kids, for the first time, can get on the bus at 7:30, allowing me to get to work just a bit earlier. Also, since they are old enogh to get themselves out the door, no childcare in the morning for 7:00 meetings for the first time in 12 years!
Also new and exciting, our new athletic center opening, the arrival of our new president, the Nadas playing in my hometown and a visit from my brother, his wife and my 3 year old niece! So many things I am looking forward to, such a nice realization for the day.
