Week One Stats

Weekly Distance: 40 miles
Weekly Donations: $105

For the first week out, this was a great start for building up mileage and soliciting donations. Granted I only went on three bike rides, but the other four days I was out of town. I'll save the excuses for another time. My realistic goal is five weekly rides with two days for rest or other cardio activities. I'm not sure about the recommended mileage to start training, so I'll have to do a little more research.

I was so please at how many donations I've received in just the past five days since registering through the Autism Speaks Web site. Facebook definitely works wonders at spreading awareness, but I'll probably send out e-mails to friends and businesses as well. To have surpassed the $100 mark in the first week is unreal. I never would have guessed that would happen, but am so grateful for all the donations.

All in all, it was a great start to hopefully a rewarding journey where I'll raise lots of money, have fun cycling and meet lots of new people. In the next couple of weeks, I'll begin setting some goals for myself in terms of training. I don't want to do too much too fast, but I still want to challenge myself in preparation for the Bike to the Beach. O, and of course the day I forget my camera, I see the biggest turtle ever and a cardinal while cycling!

The Hawthorne Trail

I was having way too much fun trying to take pictures on the bike path. A great way to break up a long ride. Unfortunately I had to settle for the point and shoot, no way I'm bringing my Canon 20D out cycling.

After setting up my donation account with Autism Speaks for Bike to the Beach, I was especially inspired to start out training. Within just a few hours, already $75 have been raised due to generosity of friends and the wonders of changing a Facebook status.

No day could be more beautiful for cycling than today. Clear skies, 75 degrees- perfect. I have definitely taken for granted living in Florida for the past 5 years, so in my final stretch, I'm going to value the weather along with natural treasures.

The Hawthorne Trail is one of Gainesville's greatest assets and natural spaces. It cuts through Payne's Prairie and shady hammocks giving cyclists a great environment to appreciate the beauty of northern Florida. To make my 20-mile venture this afternoon even better, I started chatting with another UF student/cyclist at the beginning of the trail. What perfect timing- an hour and a half ride certainly flies by when you're chatting it up. What are the odds? I've ridden the Hawthorne Trail several times but usually never see anyone my cycling level- mostly really intense cycling guys going 25 mph.


The last time I rode 20 miles was January, so my legs will feel the burn tomorrow. Today was definitely a good start to increasing my weekly mileage and prepping for July 31. Looking forward to several more Hawthorne Trail rides before graduating and leaving Gainesville.

My Commitment: B2B

Wow, so I'm officially going to complete my first century ride this summer called Bike to the Beach: wwww.biketothebeach.org. The ride is 120 miles- begins in the heart of DC and finishes at Bethany Beach, DE with a big celebration. I just sent in my $165 registration and created my donation page to raise $500 for Autism Speaks. This seems like a really awesome way to meet people and get back in biker shape once I move to DC. There are several training rides before the big event too...and of all places, who wouldn't want to bike to the beach?

I'm really excited to start training and raising money for such a great cause. Looks like I'll be frequenting the Hawthorne Trail in Gainesville a few more times before graduation. Stay tuned...pictures and stories to come!

Want to help chip away at my $500 donation commitment? Contributions of all sizes are GREATLY appreciated. Donate now: http://events.autismspeaks.org/b2b/sarabikesdc

The Countdown Begins

"Sara Bikes DC" is a tad premature. I have the bike part of the equation, but haven't made the big move to the big city yet. A mere 49 days away, then I'll hit the ground running (well, more like cycling). Buying a road bike was the greatest investment I have ever made. The health and transportation benefits are endless. Not to mention the opportunities to meet people, explore trails and participate in cycling events that support non-profits.

Just a few days ago, I decided against bringing my car to DC. I love my car, Madison, so parting ways at first seemed really hard. But, I don't think I'll have any regrets about it. A car in Florida is a necessity. A car in DC is a hassle. I'm going to bike, metro, walk and zip car wherever I go. The earth and my heart will thank me one day.

In preparation for the move, I'm focusing on riding several days per week and getting back in shape. Today, I rode a short trail, just 5 miles, but it was a good first step. Sometimes the hardest part is getting out the door on the first day back, and then I'm reminded of how much I love cycling.

I bought my bike, Roosevelt, in August mainly as a way to exercise outdoors and ride to work. Riding 10.5 miles round trip a few days per week really helps make the 40 hour work week more manageable. Instead of getting bored at the gym everyday, I would extend my rides several days after work and get to know my town. I really had gotten hooked and by October I completed a 100K race event. Most of the course cruised through the rolling hills of southern Georgia, and the weather could not have been more gorgeous. Not to mention, I still had enough energy in me to cheer on the Gators in the Swamp that evening and watch them crush LSU.

So, in a nutshell, this blog is about me and my adventures.