Womble

Momentum is the word per Todd H. , if I am going to improve my ability to be competitive in the sport division for men 50 years of age and over. I am so slow , that Todd caught me as a sweeeper , and followed me out to the Fishing Village completing the first 12 miles of a 25 mile race. Sweepers ' job are to make sure that all riders have completed the course, so you can imagine how slow I am. Todd took a personal interest in my riding, and was very encouraging, on how I could ride more competitively, namely explode on the hill climbs and build speed in hitting the down hills, I tend to be timid , or too careful in my descents, it probably due to being a CPA, and the way I tend to think. Todd asked me 5 or more times, if I minded , his suggestions, coming from Todd, I was just happy to see someone interested in helping me ride to my ability. Thanks Todd! I plan on taking Todd up on his offer to ride and learn.

The Womble trails were in excellent shape, a big thankyou to the Ouachita Cycling Club, especially Ed, Scott, Todd, Sue, and Geremy and others which I may have forgot to mention, I was able to see some beautiful looks of the Ouachita River, in my travels which was about 25 miles, my average speed was slightly over 6 miles per hour, the race had been concluded , the prizes awarded, and tents were being taken down when I made it back to the finish line. At the finish line Clayton, Lee, Greg, and the rest of the Bell bike team waited on me , and gave me a big atta boy, and it very much appreciated. I do not like to be last in what I do, and I have finished last in every race this year, but I am not last in riding for my health and well being. If you sit behind a desk all week, being able to ride thru the Ouachita Mountains, is truly a gift from God. I plan on improving , by working with a trainer to build my core, and spending time in the saddle.

The next race is Eureka Springs, which is the toughest race of the year, in my opinion. I plan on training for this race by riding with Joe next Saturday, as we try to finish another unofficial 100 on the road bike.

Biking has become a way of life. My good friend Virgil, who started riding his road bike a year ago, is making life changing health choices. At our monthly luncheon , I asked Virgil how many pounds he had lost riding his bike , Virgil answered 6 waist sizes, impressive.

On the political side , if President Obama added a voucher to allow any baby boomer to purchase a bike, for $500 , in the upcoming health care bill proposal , the savings in health care costs for Medicare , and for employers who pay health care benefits for its employees, would be exponential, in controlling two major health costs , diabetes and obesity; riding your bike may be the solution, to solving our health care issues.