Goldilocks Ride

May 7th, 2011

It just so happens that Darci, Kristen, Tricia, and I had an AMAZING time during all of our first organized bike ride. We had all wanted to do the Little Red ride in Logan, but it sold out so fast only Tricia was able to get a spot. She found this ride and we all signed up. We opted for the 40 mile track since none of us had gone that far, and to be honest we were a bit nervous. The whole day turned out to be one of the greatest days of the year for me. It was so fun! They organized it really well with lots of good food the whole time. We all talked the whole time laughing and riding. I have never done a non-competitive sport event like this, and I have fallen in LOVE. Everyone is there to have a good time and have good food, while riding on a bike. Seriously, its a big party. And after just completing my 2nd ride (the MS ride that I will blog about soon), I seriously wonder how I have been missing out on this awesome world of good time while on bikes. I have thoroughly enjoyed my bike since I bought it. I really like the rides, and these events are a blast! I can not write enough or express how fun they are. And I LOVE that I was able to do it with these ladies. They are so fun, and we always have a good time. Darci and Kristen I know from high school and Tricia was Kristen's roommate in college. I feel lucky to have these girls as my friends, and love that we can ride together.

Within the first mile I got a flat tire. A nail right into my tire. After all the miles I have ridden, this is when I get my first flat. In my amateur ignorance, I didn't have anything. No tube, no tools, no CO cartridge. I even had the last one at home....

Luckily Darci and Kristen had everything, and lucky Kristen and I just went to a bike repair class to teach us how to change a tire. We got through most of it, but the end we couldn't figure it out. We were waiting a long time, then a runner came by and finished it for us. Very kind.

I was surprised the first stop to see candy and cookies to snack on. I was expecting 'sport' snacks. There was fruit and sports drinks, but lots of treats too. At this first stop I realized the extent of what a 'ride' was as opposed to a 'race'. I also loved that there was sun screen, and tampons. I laughed when I saw that, and made me love this all woman ride.

It's almost sad to say, but the 40 miles took us a LONG time, maybe 5 hours, haha! We took our time at all the stops. Then at the end our families met us, except mine ;) Shane had lots to do before we left right after I got home for Disneyland. I told him not to come. But when we were all eating together at the end, having a good time, I missed Shane and the kids. Next time I know better.

I got home at 3, showered and packed the last few things. While running around I saw this big envelope with my name on it. I figured it was for the next day, Mothers day. And since Shane stinks at keeping surprises, I tried to help him by not looking at it. I guess I was supposed to look at it. I had just mentioned how I love to send people treats/sweets in the mail for occasions because I always wish someone would for me. So Shane when to winco and got my favorite Alpine mints there, put them in a little container with a 'label' he made that said "eat one or two when you need a break from your husband and kids". Then his put it in a big envelope and put it in the mail pile to seem as if it was sent to me. It was thoughtful, and funny. later I asked him why he didn't spend the money to actually send it in the mail, I figured he didn't want to spend that money (yes, he is frugal that way). He explained it was too late to send in the mail, or else he would have. It was really thoughtful, but I hope some day he will feel as though we are at a level financially for him to spend money to order me something from fairytale brownies or edible arrangements ;)

In the end the day was just about perfect. Fun times and friends, and the start of a trip to Disneyland.

I don't really like the picture of me above, but I am proud to be in that group. Thanks ladies for a great day I will always remember. I hope we have lots of rides together in the future. Including a ride on a Saturday that we have planned: park at Flour girls and dough boys, go on a ride out to Utah lake, come back and eat at flour girls. Yum.