Road Bike Training Camp: Day -1

Everyone loves summer camp, right? Many women love the annual camp tradition for the freedom it brings when the kiddos are gone for a week. But in the case of Ride Like A Girl Cycling, this year it’s our turn. With the help of Bowen Sports Performance, we have our first-ever road bike training camp – and it starts tomorrow.

Thinking of the fourteen women who are preparing and packing tonight for this grand adventure, I was inspired to write this poem.

‘Twas the night before bike camp when all through the town,
girlfriends were throwing their laundry around.

Looking for Spandex, jerseys and socks,
Wondering “How will all this fit into a bag – or a box?”

Checking the Weather Channel and fretting a bit,
Calling a girlfriend, “Are we really doing this?”

Who is this Bart guy we hardly know?
Will he make us work hard? Friend or foe?

Carolyn said, “Relax. Your worries, unload”
Let’s hope she’s not operating in Lesson One* mode!

Sunscreen, sunglasses, swimsuit: Check!
(Someone bring a foam roller for my back and my neck!)

Writing instructions and watering pots,
Leaving hubby with pizza, ice cream and pop

Bikes and bags loaded, grabbing the keys,
Kisses goodbye, “Clean the house, please!”

Driving away, feeling giddiness rise,
A weekend with girlfriends and no cooking at sunrise!

Anxiety knocking, Can I do this? Keep up?
Hey, Bad Voice, it’s time for you to shut up!

On the horizon, three days of biking and fun,
Encouraging, learning and laughing to be done.

Let’s write a good story with our three days together
With memories, victories and friends forever!

by Carolyn Jen 

* Lesson One:  All cyclists are liars. Flat is not flat. Easy is not easy. Best to learn this sooner than later!