Why?!?!

Why is always an interesting question, don’t you think? A lot of people are learning about my intended bike ride across America this summer and reaction has been interesting. For most people, when they think about taking a bike ride, they think about a few miles around the neighborhood. I’m one of those, however, that thinks a ride of 25 to 40 miles is a fun way to spend a few hours, and occasionally it’s nice to challenge yourself to 50 to 70 miles.

So what was I thinking when I registered (yes – I actually sent them a lot of money to do this) to join a bunch of people I don’t know and spend 50 days riding my bicycle 3,667 miles across 10 states and a Canadian province? I’m inclined to agree with those who have asked if I’m nuts. At this point, about 6 weeks before the ride begins, I’m excited, but plenty anxious. So far this year, I’ve ridden just about 500 miles. I think I’ll need to get in another 750 to 1,000 miles before the trip starts in mid-June. My biggest concern is that I’m from central Ohio where the roads are as flat as a tabletop. I’ve heard rumors and even seen pictures that the roads in Oregon, Idaho and Wyoming have a bit more of an uphill incline to them. To a “flatlander” that sounds intimidating and like a lot of work!

So why would a 63 year old guy want to take on such a challenge when there are a lot easier ways to spend the summer? Well, lots of reasons. As daunting as it seems and as challenging as I know it will be, it still sounds like a lot of fun. There is much of our country I’ve not yet seen, especially out West and especially as “up close and personal” as from the saddle of a bicycle.

But a big reason is to bring some attention to the work of Catholic Social Services (CSS) in the Columbus (OH) diocese where I’ve spent the last 10 years as chief executive officer.

CSS is a faith-based agency that exists as an expression of the Church’s call to serve – to love God and love neighbor (Luke 10:27) – focused on improving the quality of life for people in central and southern Ohio, regardless of faith background or circumstance. We provide emergency assistance as well as services to individuals and families and services to older adults.

My intention is to post regular accounts of my trip (June 16 through August 5) and to use some of these notes to better inform people about the services of CSS and circumstances of many of our clients. And I'm tyring to raise money for the agency.

I expect that the trip will get long and at times tedious. If you’d like to help encourage me along the way, I’d very much appreciate your support by making a contribution to Catholic Social Services. Every nickel raised will go to support the programs of the agency and help those in need.

Please consider making a donation at www.colscss.org by clicking the “Donate Now” button and writing “Don’s Bike Ride “ in the comment section.  Thanks. Stay tuned for future posts.

First Class Seating

In just about 8 weeks (June 16), I’ll be heading out for a 50 day, 3,667 mile bike ride across North America – starting in Oregon and ending, God willing, in New Hampshire. And I’m travelling first class. Here’s a picture of my seat, or as known to cyclists, my saddle. When I’ve shown this to others, most have reacted by saying, “OUCH!!”

While I admit, the saddle can, at times, get to be a pain in the you-know-what, for the most part, it is pretty comfortable, despite the lack of padding. Granted, it does take some getting used to and it helps if you ride a lot.  You have to develop all the muscles you use and the glutes are the major muscle group used in cycling. My saddle measures 6 inches across at its widest point and 11 inches from the back to the tip of the nose. I figure it gives me just a little less than 30 square inches to ride on.  Not much for such a long trip.

Perhaps the first thing you have to realize is that it’s not going to be like a first class seat in a jet (not even coach) and it’s not really there to nestle into like you would in an easy chair. Where a seat is designed to support all your weight, a saddle is made to support part of your weight. It’s actually there to provide one of 3 points of balance – saddle, handlebars and pedals.  Believe it or not, a lot of science has gone into the development of the bicycle saddle. As uncomfortable as it might look, it has taken nearly 150 years of ongoing improvements for the saddle to evolve into its present form. It is designed to provide just enough surface area in the back for the “sit” bones (the ischial tuberosities) to rest. While the rear of the seat supports your sit bones, the front (nose) of the seat is designed to help control the bike with your thighs and support some body weight. Because the legs are up and down thousands of times on a ride, the nose of the saddle is as narrow as it is so there is as little as possible to get in the way – otherwise there can be a lot of chafing!  And softer is not always better. Softer saddles actually provide less support for the muscles. It’s the same as a bed. I much prefer a harder mattress.

I will admit that riding day after day, mile after mile can, at times create some problems for the back side. I do wonder how I will hold up for 50 days. I’ve known a few guys that have had some problems along the way. There are some tips I’ve learned over the years, but I’ll spare you the details. I just hope they work.  The biggest thing is to prepare. For the next few weeks I hope to be in the saddle at least 3 to 4 days a week. After I retire (May 10), I’ll be on the road 5 or 6 days a week, trying to get both my legs and my rear “point of balance” in condition.

 I’ll try to write a few times before I leave and I hope to keep you posted regularly once the ride begins.  If you have any questions about the trip or cycling in general, please let me know and I’ll try to address them in future posts. 

 Part of the reason I’m riding across country is to raise funds for Catholic Social Services in Columbus. I’ve spent the last 10 years there as CEO and am still impressed by the great work our staff does. I ask for your consideration in supporting my ride by donating whatever you can to CSS. Just visit www.colscss.org and go to the donate page. In the comment section, just make a note “Don’s Bike Ride.”  For whatever you’re able to provide, thank you.

 I’ll see you on the road. May the wind be at your back!