Inspiration from Across the Pond. Twice.

Rode to the Junction Saturday morning.  Left the house around 7 am and enjoyed a very peaceful ride.  That time in the morning there are few cars on the road, especially once on the mountain.  Also, when I hit 1000 feet I was riding in the clouds.  Sometimes this is a good thing and sometimes not so good.  This time it was the former as the clouds actually made it warmer than the temperature at the base of the mountain.  It was great but couldn't go to the summit as we had plans to celebrate my mom’s 89th birthday and I couldn't be late for the party.

Sunday departures are usually around 11 am.  After church.  My wife and I had to take care of something so my departure was delayed.  The morning weather started out nice but by the time we left church clouds had rolled in and it looked like rain.  I had Redwood Road in mind, 48 miles and 2500 feet of climbing but I didn't want to go because of the weather.  Then I thought about one of my fellow riders, Paul, training in England.  It’s been an unusually cold spring where he lives, but not only is he riding in cold temperatures, he is riding in snow.  Check out the picture he sent.  When I thought of what he does to train I got on my bike and started riding.  He is truly an inspiration to pansy-boy Burundi Dave.

About half way into the ride I was feeling pretty good and as I approached a fork in the road, right toward home or left up a hill and about 8 additional miles more than I planned when I set out, I thought of Paul riding in the snow.  I went left and said out loud, "This one is for you Paul".  So I did 56 miles Sunday and around 3000 feet of climbing and am very grateful to have a rider on the other side of the world with enough drive to inspire me.  So good!

So Paul, I thank you for your inspiring training and I dedicate Sunday's ride to you.

Also inspiring are those of you that have given your hard earned money to support the Tour du Burundi and the Gitega International Academy.  Thank you so much!  Those of you that are waiting to donate, wait no longer.  I leave for Burundi in just over a month and it's time to take full advantage of my employer's offer to match every dollar contributed up to $10,000.  There is free money just waiting to be donated but I need your help to take full advantage of it.  And remember, your donation is tax deductible.

Weighed in today and lost another two pounds.  Just six from my goal of one hundred pounds lost.  So close!

Thanks so much for reading this and being part of a wonderful adventure!

And please, grab your credit card and let your dollars go twice as far!!