tour de cure

tourmates: earle & jen

the weather gods were very cooperative—making yesterday perfect for yet another bike tour. this one sponsored by the american diabetes association to raise funds to benefit the fight against diabetes. unlike last month's 30k-strong five boro bike tour, there was much less participants. much less but definitely much more cycling enthusiasts as most everyone came in their spandexes and race bikes. i came with my schwinn mountain, regular shorts and of course my brasil footie jacket (to make up for the lack of cycling shorts coolness).

i rode with earle the officemate, his fiance jen, and friend tom. we started off in morningside park on 114th street. headed our way up through the uppity-up apartments of the upper west side eventually making our way over the george washington bridge to end up in new jersey. in jersey, we drove through hills, and various towns. places which id only heard of before like bergen county, fort lee, engelwood, palisades—popped out one after the other as we pedalled our way through the route. very nice changes of scenery and definitely much more space and fresher air. the ride to the turning point was very nice—mostly downhill—felt as though i were flying or at least biking like some lance armstrong.

tom's post-ride swedish massage

the ride back up was torture though. thighs were cramping but the mind stayed focus so not once did i dismount the bike on the steep hill of death. sure i was pedalling like crazy on the lowest lowest gear but at least i made it up top without giving up. and once up that steep hill, the ride was back to all pleasure.

we made our way back over the GW bridge. and eventually back to morningside park. lots of freebie snacks, shirts and refreshments greeted us. a much-appreciated swedish massage was also there to welcome our tired legs and backs. a nice chill way to cap off a fun fundraising bike tour.

mission accomplished

aside from conquering the 50km route (was supposed to be a 100km one but they shortened the ride coz of road construction), i was also able to beat my fundraising target. thanks to family and friends and some anonymous souls, a grand total of $320 was raised. not bad for less than a week's worth of pestering for donations. hopefully i get to raise at least that much too for the jason's flying to the philippines for vacation cause. but in any case, im looking forward to the next big one—a 5k run in central park on june 21st. should be another helluvafun push.

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friday and saturday afternoons were spent with some filipino friends coz one was visiting from manila. much as i had a lot of fun, i just dont get it now, this annoying habit of tardiness. and much worse, changing plans 30 minutes prior just coz one didnt have the guts to say no in the first place. i guess im just not used to such laxity of commitment anymore. and wimpy behavior such as needing to get parental or other's clearance on each decision or not being open to trying things new. but anyway, it's kinda funny (yet quite effin frustrating) to see nevertheless.