The Ride for Missing Children

Tomorrow, September 23rd is a day I have been looking forward to all summer.  I will be joining more than a hundred other cyclists in Syracuse on a 100 mile ride around the suburbs and into the city proper.  Our goal is to raise awareness of the plight of children in our community.  All donations from the ride go to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and the money stays local to help our community.

A year ago, I tried to register for this event, but missed the entry deadline.  I was brand new to cycling at the time and was itching for a way to get out there in the community on my bike.  A year later, here I am, less than 24 hours from setting off.  It should be quite the spectacle, with all of us riding two by two in procession and wearing matching jerseys.  The idea behind the formation is to promote the safety involved with children ALWAYS having a buddy when they are walking in public.

If you are interested in donating in my name, and I do need to raise more money, please click this link to do so:

http://www.active.com/donate/syracuse2011/CHess56

It is going to be extraordinary to ride with this group as we are stopping at several schools in Central New York.  I understand, from listening to past participants, that the kids really get into it and cheer for us as we arrive.  There are plenty of stops with food and water, making this a self-proclaimed “easy” century ride.  My concern is my rear end, not my legs.

My primary concern right now is that two days after this event, I am running in a 4 mile race here in Syracuse called The Strathmore Parks Run.  The run by itself is no big deal.  Only 4 miles.  I am just worried about how worn out my legs will be two days after a century.  Normally, I would simply NOT run it, but it is part of the Syrathon Series here in Syracuse, which is a series of races that when combined equals a little more than a marathon.

I will certainly write about all this on Monday when it is all over.  I am excited for this weekend.  BUT, I am also still moving, so that has to be packed in there somewhere as well.  Here’s to busy schedules!

 

Ride Hard, Ride Long

Chris