2013 Pelotonia

August 10/11/12 marked my fourth year participating in Pelotonia. I rode 100 miles each of the last three years, but I stepped up to 180 miles for 2013. I had considered going 180 throughout the summer and felt like I could take it on, though it was pretty much a game time decision. It was a grueling two days of riding. The sense of accomplishment is two-fold - completing the ride, and more importantly, raising funds for cancer research.

I am proud to say that I have raised over $11,000 in the last four years. Thank you to all of you for making that possible!

This year I want to describe my experience over the three days (including the Opening Ceremony on Friday evening) through a set of "awards" I will hand out below:

Best Stretch: This was the first year Pelotonia rode directly through Granville. We went through numerous other small downtowns, but in four years of riding I have not seen any small town come out to support Pelotonia quite like Granville did Saturday. The streets were lined with hundreds of people. The high school cheerleaders were out. Signs everywhere and the crowd was really into it. Thanks, Granville! (Runner Up: Pickerington)

Best Moment: We rode through Granville and on to the Granville High School rest area. In the short area in between, there was a man who had parked his van by the side of the road. He held up a sign that read something along the lines of: "Thank you for riding. You saved my wife's life." Wow. Just wow. I overheard several people saying how moved they were at Granville High School.

Best Sign: Take a look at this sign: Beyond Granville High School.

Worst Sign: Somewhere along the way there was a sign that said "Keep Peddling." Grammar Check.

Award for Resiliency: Think you can't do 100 miles? I saw at least two men older than 70 who had finished 100 miles in Gambier.

Best Meal: I am a picky eater, but Gambier just had EVERYTHING. Burgers, chicken in a lemon sauce, a basil pasta salad. I heard it was catered by whoever it is that provides food for Kenyon College and I am jealous of their college food.

Best Rest Stop: This one is determined solely by the way they did their food. I really don't have a problem with PB&J, which they had at every rest stop. But when I make PB&J on my own I make a half sandwich of just peanut butter and a half sandwich of just jelly. The Highland High School rest stop on day two was ready for me.

Best Jersey: I do not have a picture of it, but I enjoyed the Columbia Gas of Ohio jerseys.
Best Jersey Runner Up: Someone was wearing a Star Trek jersey. I might need to get one of these.

Best Playlist Song: As you probably know, I let my donors choose a couple of songs for me to listen to on the ride. I call it the Pelotonia Playlist. I really do listen to every song and I do it because it makes me reflect on how thankful I am for the support I receive. The best song I received this year was the very last one I added and it was not even a song at all. It is called A Pep Talk from Kid President to You. I had never seen this before but I was able to download it and listen for the very first time while I was riding. Good choice Erin Zelinski!

Super Troopers Award: I brought two friends to the Opening Ceremony, Ross Righter and Erin Zelinski. They are longtime supporters and I thank them for joining me. We sat next to an elderly lady who turned into my biggest fan. She was going to take a Pelotonia oatmeal cookie home to put on her mantle. As for the Opening Ceremony, I always enjoy their opening video.

That's all for this year. Anyone interested in riding next year? Let me know!