The Questions

The Questions
A bicycle? How far? Why? Is your husband going too?
Are you ready? How long will that take? Are you ready?
Are you nervous? When do you leave? When do you get
back? Are you ready?
The anticipation in the Power household is growing for
the start of The Ride for World Health. It seems like
forever ago that I found the RFWH website and started
following the rider blogs from 2007. It didn’t take me
long to start imagining myself involved with this
group.
The fundraising
It seems like time has taken off since Christmas.
Asking people for money is never easy. Having a
well-established hard working beneficiary like
Medecins Sans Frontieres has made this easier. My
fundraising has included everything from selling
gourmet desserts to organizing a solidarity ride. My
sister was the first to make her generous donation.
The members of my local cycling club Polk Area Bicycle
Association have not only been donating money but also
many training tips and opportunities. They also
flattered me by nominating and electing me as the new
vice president of the club.
The training
When I first started cycling I thought 20 miles was a
long ride. Now 80 to 100 miles is not a problem. But
living in Florida I have had limited training on
hills. I am more than a little anxious about the
mountains. My daughter Alison and I have been stair
climbing as a way to prepare. I hate the cold so I
think the weather will be another challenge.

Riding and training for the ride was not enough. I
thought I had to organize a solidarity ride as well.
The ride takes place in Thonotosassa just on the out
skirts of Tampa. Springtime here in west central
Florida is beautiful. The riders will be treated to a
mostly flat ride past country homes and fragrant
orange blossoms. Last Sunday my friend Kathy and I
marked the road. We started at 12:30 and finished at
6:00. Riders can choose from 3 rides. Two road rides
54 and 41 miles as well as a 7 mile fun ride on the
trail at Flatwoods Park.

Riding a bike across the U.S. cannot compare with the
challenges endured by people around the world just trying to meet their daily needs.
I am excited to meet my team mates. I feel very lucky to
be participating in this project.
See you all in San Diego. PEACE, Marianne Power

The neglected blog

So much for a monthly post. So many good things to report since my last post. the Mosswood Center Mind Body Spirit series went very well. It started with Qigong with Greg Hicks. We transformed the nursery rooms at the church into a Zen studio. Two weeks later we had a full house for introduction to yoga with Jody Reese followed by mindful eating with yours truly. After 90 minutes of yoga we enjoyed a lunch of spicy lentil soup, brown rice, fresh raw veggies with homemade humus, and an assortment of fresh and dried fruits. The final work shop was the Mandala art with Claudia Vanhorn. The group explored their inner child or hippie, by creating art with found objects. I am sorry I missed this one. We have received much positive buzz and excitement about this project. Plans are in the works for the next series. Also Jean Cooley has generously donated $2000 to jump start the center.
Simultaneously Kathy has the ground work set for The Lakeland Youth Alliance,the first GLBT youth group in Polk County! Westminster has given the go head for the group to use the fellowship hall for meetings. LYA will operate under the umbrella of The Florida Youth Alliance. This will have many benefits including a web site, insurance and fundraising.

With April 1st fast approaching I have been getting ready for The Ride for World Health. Many thanks to all of you who have donated to this worthy cause. To those of you who have not yet donated please visit the RFWH website and click on the "team". You can donate by Pay Pal on behalf of each rider. PEACE and Blessings to all!