Getting Close !

As I sit here in Avon, Ohio getting my thoughts together for my travel back home to Mass I am thinking of all of the very generous people who have contibuted to my ride. Every dollar that I have raised through their generosity goes DIRECTLY to Cancer research at The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston,MA. I am eternally grateful to all in helping me fight this disease.
      Now it is my time to shine ! I have been looking forward to this ride since last summer while on a visit back home. I stopped by my buddy Steve Gaebels house and "bent his ear" about the ride. We were geting into it then all of a sudden......From the background   " who the hell is drinking MY Bud Light?"..Well, that's M Dow... It was over a few adult bevs that I became enamored with the event. Being of the sound mind at that time I was Committed to this years ride. Honestly I have found it hard to find time to train as much as I would have liked. I do believe that I will be fine on the ride itself though. Although there are many people riding for many different reasons, mine is special to me,. No way I am letting the big man down. I won't be the first in Provincetown, but I won't be the last either. I plan on enjoying each pedal across the 192 miles.  When I tell  my son Trevor that I will be gone from home for about 5 days he gets bummed out. Then he remembers why I am leaving home..."so you can help save someone elses Bumpy"....You're dam right buddy !!!!!  Many thanks to Team Lick Cancer from Acton,Ma for welcoming me to the Team. Ride ON Baby !!

easy motivation

         Today I went out early in the morning. I think there were multiple people who had the same idea.Beat the heat !  I rode thru the Rocky River Reservation which is part of the Cleveland Metro Parks system. I love riding there because I can ride on both the road and paved trails.
         I found it extremely easy to be motivated to ride today, it felt effortless. Father's Day is tomorrow, there isn't a day that goes by that I do not think of my own Father. Training for my 1st Pan Mass Challenge has been fun, and time consuming. The hardest part has been making the time to ride. During my 45 miles today there were many times that I thought of my Dad and all others that have been affected by cancer.It's kind of weird, I no longer have a "heavy heart" when I think of him. I know he is happy and at peace all the while smiling while watching me train. Part of my ride today went past a boat launch area into Lake Erie. Dad would have loved to have gone out there for some walleye or perch. Or during his younger fishing expeditions, drink beer in silence while not once putting a rod in the water.  This is why I am doing this, if not so they can treat me, my children or anybody else in the future. If the money I help raise saves one person, or gives one hope......it's all worth it! I can't wait to feel the crowd along the PMC route in early August.
      

Sunday Morning ride

I went out today for a quick 20 miles because of pending storms we are supposed to get....probably won't show but that's cool. Felt great to get out for a "quicker" ride as opposed to my cruising/sightseeing rides from before. I will have to fit these ones in on busy days I guess. I've been lucky to find some nice areas to ride that have not been too busy with vehicle traffic so far. This coming weekend is my fundraiser in NH. My sister in law has been a great help with this, she's secured a bunch of items for the silent auction and other great things. Also, I've had some people/friends/family members that have confirmed their attendance as well. Getting my cousin Kevan off the Vineyard is a feat in itself. The one that has flored me though, cousin Dee, coming all the way from Brooklyn,NY for the event !!!! Very cool ! Her sister Maura is coming as well( I think this is payback, b/c they both bartended at The Lampost on the Vineyard) I think I ran them ragged a few times behind that bar !!
I'm hoping to get out this week during the mornings before school, if only to get the legs going some. This weekend will be humbling to see all of these people that are supporting my ride and this friggin fight against Cancer !!
Until next time

Mike
NO FEAR !

First Training Blog

Well, here I am on the North Coast of Ohio after moving last week. This morning I went for a ride along Lake Ave thru Sheffield Lake,Avon Lake, and Bay Village. Damm it was windy and cold !..Nice to get out on the road and let my thoughts wander all over the place. As I get closer to riding in my 1st PMC this summer memories of many people are filling my mind while I ride. And if you know me at all this is not good. I need clear vision while on the bike, can't have my eys welling up while riding....lol...Anyway, it was nice to get out for about 24 miles this morning along the Lake Erie shoreline.Great views, kind of reminded me of the Vineyard a little bit. My excitement is growing with each day. I am floored by the generousity of the many people who have donated to my ride, humbling to say the least.