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