jbm blog

So I’m Riding a Century And Raising Money For Leukaemia Research

I’ve been a moderately keen cyclist for the past few years. I have a good road bike and a tolerable mountain bike and I was riding 30 miles once a week, and running 5 miles.

 In July I started riding more, partly to take advantage of the good weather, and also because I developed plantar fascitis in my left foot and I don’t want to run on it until it’s fully recovered.

In 1999 and again in 2000 my wife Lisa ran a marathon, receiving training through Team in Training (TNT) and raising money for Leukaemia / Lymphoma research. TNT also supports people attempting a century ride (approx 100 miles by bicycle), triathlon and others. Lisa decided we should both attempt the Tucson century ride in November, and we were just in time for the introductory ride.

The ride itself was around 10 miles in Los Altos, with the purpose of making sure everyone can ride safely, and getting newbies like me familiar with the ‘pace line’, ie riding close together in a line drafting the person in front. The frontmost rider changes position to the back every couple of minutes. I went out with the fast group and was pleased to manage the pace with no problems.