Hill Country Rid for Aids: one of my favorite charity rides. Beautiful spring wildflowers accompanied by perfect weather. Well, except for headwinds - not so much fun but quite a lot of swearing; that and the distracting musical motivations of Ghostland Observatory. Did I mention hills?? Because that is one of the finest amenities of the ride (and of course the hill country in general); lots of hills - rolling, gentle, steep, surprising, wind-blocking and just mean (all kinds!).
This year's team was Ballet Austin which consisted of friends from ballet fit class that I was introduced to almost a year ago now. Initially bought in to try the program and evaluate its athletic benefits and how it might be marketed to the male demographic. It ended up being a great ongoing experience and offers a great complement for cycling training: strength, balance, flexibility & fluidity. Alas, no team Soup Peddler this year; but the team costume tradition continued (and with a professional edge). I had to go with a last minute boa addition to balance the comprehensive tutu costume of the other team members. It's a lighthearted ride for sure; well - as much as a 65 mile ride with headwind hills & a water crossing crash can be.
Lots of fun, camaraderie, crazy support and seeing folks that don't ride too much achieve something that truly does challenge (all while exhausting oneself and achieving that favorite euphoric fully muscle exhausted state of being).
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
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