Oh man, guess what mama and I are doing together? The Venus de Miles bike ride!
Dad and I have always been the cycling duo and have ridden at Elephant Rock the past three years. However, mom has always been more of my running-yoga-skiing buddy, and has never really been excited about sports with two wheels. However, after she tore her ACL a few years ago (skiing with me, nevertheless), she decided to ease off on running in order to shelter her knee joints. She decided to take up cycling, so Dad bought her a hybrid bike last summer. However, she is still struggling to get comfortable on her bike, and was looking for something to encourage her to put tire to pavement. When Venus de Miles emailed me and asked to team up for the all-women’s ride, it seemed too perfect of an opportunity to pass up. So, Mama and I will be riding the Venus de Miles together on September 29!
In the spirit of full disclosure, I will admit that the race comped both mine and Mama’s entry fees. However, I definitely would’ve looked into this race on my own because it appears to be a great race for hardcore cyclists and first-timers alike. As I mentioned, no men are allowed so Dad will just have to watch from the finish line. I am frequently torn on the all-women notion for athletic events, but in this case, it is going to be perfect. I think having only women will make my mama feel more comfortable and less inhibited on her bike. We signed up for the 28-mile course (instead of the 65 or 100 milers) which is a very easy distance for me, but it’s going to be a push for my mom. Having a bunch of supportive women around will make the event that much more exciting for her!
I’m not going to lie: I’m also very excited about the post-race festivities! I’ve been to dozens upon dozens of races in my life, so I’m pretty used to the typical water-Gatorade-bagels-bananas snacks that litter the trash cans during and afterwards. According to the Venus gals, this isn’t going to be your regular cycling event! It looks like companies such as White Girl Salsa, Zaza Raw, Weezr’s Butters, and Noosa Yoghurt will be catering the aid stations, and the post-race celebration includes things like free massages, a gourmet lunch, and a cocktail lounge with Svedka mojitos. I don’t know about y’all, but I will seriously haul ass through the bike course just to get to my mojitos!
Mom, Cindy and me after last year’s GTIS half marathon. Mama decided this run was her quasi-farewell to running and took up cycling afterwards
In short, I’m super psyched to be riding in this event, and even more stoked to be spending this time with my mama. As my parents both get older, I realize that the window to complete events like this is getting smaller and smaller, and I intend to take full advantage of it.
Are you local and think the Venus de Miles cycling event sounds like a lot of fun? Come ride with Mom and me! If you use the code bccoheath, you’ll get $5 off your registration fee.
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Do you do anything active with your parents?