The awesome thing about Celebration of Cycling is that for some of our PEAC families, this is the first time that they have had the opportunity to ride together. For some families, it is their first tour, others have ridden the route many times and are experts on our 12-mile traffic free route. However, whether you are a novice or an old pro, all of our families are riding together and celebrating something great; the goals that the students set at the beginning of the summer.
At the beginning of each summer, our students set goals which include learning to balance and ride a two-wheeled bike, becoming a stoker on one of our tandems or mastering steering a tricycle. In addition to these goals, they set goals for the Celebration of Cycling; these goals help them strive for greatness all summer long on those hot summer days.
This year, we are asking you to set goals for yourselves, so that you celebrate along with our students and can also feel the great sense of accomplishment on September 14th!
One of our long time PEAC supporters, Wes Grose, has used the Celebration of Cycling to return to cycling after a major heart surgery.
Wes says:
I have always felt that I do my best when I am striving toward a specific goal. In May of 2000, I was recovering from heart by-pass surgery. Both my cardiologist and cardiac surgeon asked about my plans for the future. I told them that I would return to work and that I wanted to do a 50-mile bike ride in September. Both doctors thought I was over-reaching and cautioned me to be careful and not over do my training.
I had participated in the Celebration of Cycling and knew it was the place to realize my goal. My friend Brian spent a lot of time helping me ride back into good physical condition. When September rolled around, I was ready for the Celebration. I accomplished my goal. I emailed the photos of me and my bike at the end of the ride to both doctors. It was a big day for me. A Celebration.
The Celebration of Cycling is all about realizing goals. The participants of PEAC programs all have goals. It could be as simple as learning how to pedal a tricycle or staying on the back of a tandem. the goals can be riding a bicycle, improving riding skills, learning to ride in traffic, or how to use their bike to get to work or the local store. Many activities that most of us take for granted are the goals and great achievements of the PEAC participants. We celebrate the progress toward these goals in September at the Celebration of Cycling. Providing part of the financial means to turn these goals into reality is what the Celebration of Cycling is about.
This year, set a goal for yourself and celebrate it at the Celebration of Cycling ride. Ride a new personal best distance or average speed. Learn to be a tandem captain and ride with a stoker who is blind of a PEAC summer program participant. Volunteer to help with the Celebration of Cycling. Encourage a non-cyclist friend to ride with you. Set a goal outside of your comfort zone and celebrate achieving your goal. It is a great feeling. Ask any PEAC participant or volunteer.
See you in September.
Wes Grose
This is a picture of Wes, participating in the 2011 PEAC Spooky Ride.
We ask you to accept Wes's challenge and pick a goal and CELEBRATE IT with us on September 14th. Also, take your challenge one step further and email liz@bikeprogram.org and we will post your goal on our blog and facebook page and then pictures of your success following the ride!
Register for the 21st Annual Celebration of Cycling!
http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5331105480
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