Tour de Pink 2013 ... It's Time!

For many of us across the country, it feels like spring will never come; as winter drags on, the last thing many of us are thinking about is our bike. Actually — I am not sure if that is true — I have thought about my bike a lot and day dreamed of long rides in the warm sun … but when will spring come?

YSC Tour de Pink^® (TdP) changed my life last year. I am not overstating or being dramatic — it really did. Because of cancer I did something that I never would have been able to do before: I rode 200 miles on a bike in three days. I am not saying that it was always pretty or graceful, and those who rode with me know what I mean, but that is not what matters — what matters is I did it.

The people in my life that know me the best supported in me in my training; but I know (because they admitted it) they thought that I would spend a lot of time in the SAG vans and not ride every mile. While I LOVE the SAG vans — the 2012 TdP East Coast was about me finishing every mile under my own power … I made a commitment to do it, and that was final. And I did. My doubters have all admitted that they were surprised. Translation: Anyone can do this if they put their mind to it.

So here I am, six months after finishing the biggest athletic accomplishment of my adult life. I have gained weight and not touched my bike in five months. What is up with that?

But April 1st is almost here — the end of early registration for TdP — and I am forced to remember how I felt a year ago … terrified and uncertain. A year ago I could hardly ride on the gym bike on the lowest level for 15 minutes (I had not ridden a bike since I was 10) … a far cry from 200 miles between Philadelphia and D.C.

So my point is: It is time. If you have thought about riding TdP, now is the time to register. If you register by April 1 you get a pair of arm warmers, which is hella cool, and you also put a date in your calendar to works toward.

Even though it is still cold outside for many of us and fall seems like a lifetime away, we all need something to work towards that not only supports a good cause but helps us all to remember to focus on ourselves in our busy life. We all should give ourselves more attention; so join me in riding and doing something for ourselves!

I am riding in both rides again this year. If you want to ride, raise the $2,500 minimum and are looking for a team to join, let me know.

TdP East Coast is September 27–29, and West Coast is October 18–20. Sign up and make the commitment that you know you want to make — it’s time!