From the Inside Out

We woke early on Thursday — the time change will do that to you — so we grabbed a quick breakfast and went exploring again. This time, we decided to make the trek to the Fortress perched on top of the hill overlooking Salzburg. It’s an interesting place to visit, but the best part is the view from that location. As you can see below, it’s amazing.

After exploring the fortress, we met our tour guides and got prepped for the afternoon ride. We added our pedals, ensured the bikes had a proper fit, and did a short test ride before meeting up with the entire group for lunch at a local restaurant.

We began our 11-mile warm-up ride through the heart of Salzburg after lunch. Salburg has the most extensive bike paths in all of Europe. It’s terrific. The ride took us along the river and through a couple of small neighboring cities. The views were great. The scenery is so beautiful here, and biking along the paths gives you an opportunity to see parts of the country that you would never see if you were in a car or train. You also get to ride with the locals because there are tons of people who cycle here. I’ve never seen to many people on bikes. It’s really neat.

It was a great start to our trip. The only down side was that it began raining after dinner. When I’m cycling, rain is not my friend! I’m more of a sunshine gal when I’m on my bike. Pray for sun!

And, as always, you can see more pictures in my Austria photo album.

It started at 5 am on Saturday. We dragged ourselves out of bed, finished packing, and loaded our bikes in the Jeep. We were on our way to our first MS 150 ride, a cycling event benefiting the MS Society. We drove to the starting point in Frisco, dropped off our luggage which would be transported to our hotel for an overnight stay near the Texas Motor Speedway where we would end our first day of riding. My goal was to ride the Express route (50 miles on day one; 30 miles on day two), and Gary’s goal was to ride the full 150 miles in two days.

It was still dark when we reached the starting point and began to line up with our teams. The “night person” in my head was complaining about the early hour, but it didn’t matter, I was excited about the ride. I had been looking forward to it for many months.

By 7 am, the sun had risen, and members of the Cisco team were gathered at the starting line with us.

The ride started out on the Dallas North Toll road road, which had a lane closed to allow a safe route for all of the cyclists. The ride was also supported by local law enforcement who managed traffic control. With over 3,000 cyclists, it was an important job! Our course took us Northward to Decatur before taking us back South to reach the Texas Motor Speedway. Rest stops stocked with food, drinks, tech support, and bathrooms were staggered about every 10 miles along the route. The picture above is from Rest Stop #3.

Around mile 40, we reached Lake Ray Roberts and rode across the dam. It was extremely windy that day and the wind was whipping across the road, but the view of the lake was great. I will admit that when I looked over at that smooth water, I wanted to be wakeboarding in it instead of on my bike pedaling over it. It was a moment of weakness in my fatigued state…haha!

Ten miles later, I reached the end of my ride and attained my goal of 50 miles! My ride ended at the lunch stop, so while Gary continued onward, I joined with another Cisco rider and enjoyed the free lunch provided by Subway. It felt good to be done with the hardest part of my ride.

After lunch, I jumped on the shuttle which transported me to Texas Motor Speedway. Once there, I joined up with other Cisco riders and the volunteers in the Team Cisco tent. I also took advantage of the massage therapist in the tent. She was amazing, and the massage felt great after a long ride!

A few hours later, Gary finished his 86 mile ride and crossed the finish line. We were there to cheer for him as he rode across. It was a fantastic finish to a great day.

By the end of the day, rumors were already spreading that storms were brewing and the ride might have to be cancelled on Sunday. We went back to our hotel that evening hoping we would be able to continue the ride to Sundance Square in Fort Worth, but the forecast was discouraging. Storms were supposed to start in the late hours of the night and continue all day on Sunday.

We woke again at 5 am and received a text moments later informing us that the ride had been cancelled due to severe storms. By the time we left the hotel, the temperature was in the 40s and the weather was threatening. I was relieved that they cancelled the ride. I would not have wanted to ride in those conditions.

We were transported back to the TMS where we caught a shuttle that would take us back to Frisco where our car was parked. Our bicycles would be transported back later in the day. Even though the second day had a disappointing end, the entire experience was still lots of fun. I’m hoping to ride the full route next year — and praying for good weather!

Next up…riding in Salzburg and Prague! The adventure continues soon…

We awoke early yesterday and drove to Lancaster for the 13th annual Lancaster Country Ride. It was my first time to participate in this ride, and I found it to be a big challenge! The cycling routes traversed a variety of terrain, from flats to rolling hills, miles of bluebonnet fields, and some really challenging climbs. Add in the 25-35 mph winds, and the path became downright difficult! Even though the ride was trying, it was still good training for the MS 150 and our upcoming cycling trip in Prague.

Waiting at the starting line for my first 42-mile ride!

Gary and Kari resting after one of the long climbs

Shetland ponies and goats

We also saw camels and zebras on the ride…pretty bizarre sight to see in the middle of the nowhere.

One of the few flat stretches on the ride

The group — five miles from the finish line!

After battling the winds and the hills (my archenemies), I was completely exhausted. The finish line has never looked so good before! My legs complained for the rest of the day, reminding me of how brutal a 42-mile ride can be with strong wind resistance and uneven terrain. At the end of the day, I’m really glad that I completed the ride, but I could’ve done without the wind. I’m going to go get some more rest now.

There aren’t many things that will get me out of bed at 6 am on a Saturday. Most of you know that I am not a morning person, and since I don’t have children, I’m one of the lucky few who get to sleep until noon on most Saturdays. The only thing that will get me up that early is (1) travel or (2) organized bike rides.

Saturday started early as we prepared to go downtown for the annual Tour Dallas Bike Ride which begins at Dallas City Hall, continues around White Rock Lake, and returns to City Hall for the big finish. We arrived downtown around 7:30 and lined up for the 30-mile ride.

Our view from the starting line-up

At 8 am, the ride kicked-off with the singing of the national anthem and then we were on our way along with 3,000 other riders.

Quick photo op before getting started

Recumbent bikes

The day was perfect including bright sunny skies, warm weather, and not much wind. Even though I despise getting up early, this ride is totally worth it. We traveled through the heart of Dallas, rode down Swiss avenue, and then headed towards White Rock Lake. Our first rest stop, where we fueled up with carbs and water, was located at the bath house center on the lake about 15 miles from the starting line.

First Break Point - check out the guy with the prison jersey. Classic!

Taking a quick break before the next 15-mile stretch

Fifteen miles later, we arrived back downtown, happily crossed the finish line, and took part in the celebration which included food, entertainment, and LOTS of water!

Dallas City Hall — The end of the ride

We had a great day, and it was one of the best rides in which I’ve participated so far. Next up is the MS 150 at the end of the month.

To learn more about the MS 150 (and how to sponsor me — if interested), click here.

I’m starting to get really excited. In May, I’ll be embarking on another overseas adventure, with a twist. Instead of the standard vacation, this trip will be a cycling excursion starting in Salzburg, Austria and ending in Prague, Czech Republic. It’s a 230-mile journey pedaling on some of the best cycling routes in Europe — away from traffic and close to nature. The trip boasts stunning views of the mountains, peaceful lakes, medieval villages, and lots of historic sites.

Each night we will stay in a different city. We’ll explore the local sites including a few castles along the way. It’s going to be amazing! It’s also a little intimidating. I’ve never pedaled that far, averaging 30-40 miles in back-to-back days — with hills. As I begin to contemplate it, I realize that I need to be training more often. The countdown has begun, and I need to get my legs in shape so I can enjoy the journey.

I’ll be participating in the Tour Dallas ride this weekend, a thirty mile ride through downtown Dallas and around White Rock Lake. And at the end of April, I’ll attempt to complete the express route of the MS 150 Sam’s Club ride from Frisco to Ft. Worth. These two rides will be great training for my trip. In addition to time on my trainer, I’m hoping to be in excellent shape by May. Wish me luck!