Please enjoy the article below, written by a new handcyclist, John Vcelka (second from left in the photo below). John describes his experience at one of the biggest handcycle events in the county: The Mike Utley Foundation’s Dam2Dam fundraising ride. John was hurt less than two years ago, and recently started the Colorado Handcycling Club. For more information about John, you can visit his myspace page.
My Dam2Dam Ride in Washington State
By John Vcelka
Handcycling Club of Colorado
My weekend started on Thursday. First object was to finish getting packed. Getting everything in my suitcase then getting the suitcase to the car. Now my first big challenge...can I get my handcycle, suitcase, wheelchair, and me in to my Mini Cooper. I had a bit of an issue lifting the suitcase but some quick assistance from a helpful neighbor and I am golden.
At the airport, Bert grabs everything and we are set. On the plane, I have my usual race. Can I get both Sudoku's complete after the door is closed but before the plane leaves the ground? Success Number Two. Lee and I work our butts off trying to complete the crossword. Lee knew all of three answers, but to his defense, I only asked the ones that I didn't know.
Claire and Bert did an amazing job getting 3 gimps, 3 wheelchairs, 3 handcycles, 5 suitcases, and themselves loaded into and onto a Suburban. I just wish that I got to sit inside. I got the very special "roof seat". Arriving in Wenatchee went without a hitch. We checked into our hotel and went to dinner. After dinner, we went to bed. Long day.
Saturday was an interesting day. We got up early, had some breakfast, and headed to the park. Lee and I got a ride with Ted and Jason. Jason was jamming to Mariah Carey. Yes, I said Mariah Carey. At the park, we ran into Netti again. She is so sweet. Her outfit matched her bike. I cannot believe she was doing a century ride solo. She is a rock star. We took some pictures in the parking lot.
After the group photo and a brief statement from Greg Lemond, Bryan did some quick adjustments to my bike. We were off. Right off the bat, we are in a 2 mile long climb. I hate climbs. I am so focused on making it up the hill that I don't even notice that Greg Lemond is riding next to me. Claire introduces us. The first question that I have for him is why he isn't handcycling. He says he would need a minimum of 6 weeks training to be anywhere near completing a 50. it old him that I have only been riding for two weeks. He just looks at me and says "good luck". Nice, that was mile one, only 49 more to go.
I don't have too much to say about the actual ride. I was too focused on breathing and continuing to make circles. I am so lucky that Claire stayed back with me so that she could guide me and keep me going. She helped me so much. I had a real hard time keeping up with the other riders in our group. They were just plain faster and had better endurance. I remembered my mission of finishing, at my own pace. This was not a race. I just wanted to finish, even if I was the last one there. Climbing the last hill was welcomed by a flat tire on Lee's bike. It gave me one last opportunity to rest a minute. We completed the ride in just under 6 hours starting out at 8:30 and finishing a little after 2:00.
We had lunch and a nice opportunity to rest. I swear Jason is just like the Energizer Bunny. nonstop. He is so funny. This is where our little wager came into play. Seattle was playing Chicago on Sunday. I won the wager.
At this point, all I wanted to do was take a shower.
The ride back to the hotel, I was once again cursed. This time Jason's music of choice was Michael Jackson. We got to listen to his rendition of the King of Pop. After dinner, Lee fell asleep at like 9pm. I stayed up until around 11.
In the morning, we got up early to meet Mike and Dani for breakfast. Jason and Ted came along as well. It was great to be able to get everyone together to reflect on yesterday's ride.
The flight back had its own adventures. Claire and I raced in a couple Sudoku's. We tied at 1-1. Claire's pen exploded which made a never-ending source of ink. Every time she would clean up, another source would pop up.
Overall, the trip was a ton of fun. Something was always happening that would make me laugh. I met some of the nicest people that I hope will become and stay really close friends of mine. I cannot wait to do this again next year.
John
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