Bella's promotes Team in Training
Bella is really excited….while she is was at East Coasters for her tune-up, she decided to go for it and had a little make-over….new handlebar tape in purple!!! GO TEAM IN TRAINING!!!
As soon as I could get changed, we were off to see the mill, the rushing stream, birds of the air and critters of the field. We ignored the road kill. Just a few miles out, Bella’s back tire felt funny and sure enough, it was flat as a pancake. You’d never know there was a tube inside! I was just a few paces past Roanoke Valley Presbyterian Church, so we walked to the side of the church where I could prop her against the fence while I phoned home for help. I try not to change my own tires…they are tight and my thumbs are weak. Mike reminded me he’d have to ride his bike home to get a car to come fetch me.
Just as I resigned myself to a long wait, a black farm truck appeared just behind me, the driver asking if I could use a ride to town. Turns out, Gene lives next door to the church and saw me walking by. He knew it was 5 miles back to town. I pointed to the church and said, “I preach here sometimes.” He said, “I know who you are. Let’s get you to town to get that tire fixed.” We had a delightful visit, and soon I was deposited at East Coasters. Gene is my hero today. Thanks, Gene! The moral of the story is, it pays to preach in the country.
The East Coasters gang was amazed at my swift appearance, and Kirby set about changing my tire. I started out again, and got in 25 miles…Bella was so inspired…wanting to show off her purple handlebars.
Bella and I are preparing for the big ride around Lake Tahoe in just less than three weeks. We have more miles to ride to be ready…working up to 85 miles before Bella is fetched for the long truck ride to Nevada.
So far, I’ve raised $8500 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I really, really want to raise $10K. Let’s do it! Just click on the donate button and it’ll take you to my Team in Training page. Bella and I are grateful for your interest and support! Jan
