A Ride to Remember

Hello, my name is Heather Elliott and yes, I'm crazy enough to try riding over 250 miles in only three days.

To be honest, I first wanted to do this ride because of the incredible challenge it offered. If I complete it, it will become my greatest cycling accomplishment thus far. I want to push myself and see if I am physically and mentally capable of the task. I want to be able to say I did it. I figure that maybe, just maybe, if I can accomplish this then the Assault on Mt. Mitchell could be in my future.
Then, as I have been about trying to raise money for the Alzheimer's Association to support my ride, I have been both humbled and heartbroken by the stories of some who have been more than happy to support research to end the disease that took the life of their brother or sister, or that now plagues their mother, father, or best friend. Stories of once happy, loving uncles who one day suddenly couldn't remember their newphews' names. Stories of mothers who can no longer do anything on their own, as they have forgotten even simple motor skills. A colleague of mine told me tearfully that she was planning on giving money toward my ride, but she and her family were sadly waiting for her grandmother to pass away as a result of Alzheimer's. They knew the time was fast approaching and they wanted to wait and give in her memory. She died two weeks ago, and though I never met her, I will gladly ride in her memory.

I am still attracted by the thrill of the challenge; but, now I have a clearer purpose for this ride. Alzheimer's is a terrible disease for which there is no cure and very limited effective treatment. I am riding because more needs to be done, and because I am physically capable (I think). If you would like to follow the random thoughts and experiences of my training for this ride, continue to follow this blog as it pleases you.

Thanks for listening.