getting closer ...

Two weeks to go to Race Day and the last two weeks have been slow in the training department. I had a massive molar removed a week ago and fooled myself into believing that the grinding of my teeth as I inched uphill would adversely affect my dental health - so no cycling for 5 days. On Sunday morning I went out on a 30km ride and felt FABULOUS! What message is that supposed to send to me? That once a week is OK? Sheesh - this head stuff is starting to get to me ...

And now to all who read this blog: if my chronicles have made you smile, if you can relate to the magnitude of the challenge at hand because you are middle aged or overweight, or if you simply delight in the ludicrous pursuit of a massive adventure because it's so good to have a dream that's seemingly ridiculous to others - all of you - I appeal to you for your support! The more people I get to sponsor my efforts out on the road, the greater the incentive to persevere and finish, because the more lives of differently-abled children will be positively impacted. So - check out the flyer below and reach out generously - I'd love to hear from you!

What Do Mad Mom Zelda & Lance Armstrong Have In Common?

They're both doing the Argus Cycle Tour, but this Mad Mom is doing it on a hand cycle!

Lance might even be starting in the same charity group as I am as he's flying the Jag banner as I race in Chaeli colours. Would it be foolish of me to issue some kind of challenge at the start? The pic above is the 1st pic released of madmomzelda hurtling along the road. It is blurred because of the extreme speed I was travelling as I whizzed past my garden gate, with Russ at the ready with our point-and-shoot camera. I'm hoping for a better pic soon (Photoshop version where make-up is immaculate and my body has the curves correctly proportioned). Until then - observe the challenge presenting itself in this pic ...


On the downside: uphills are going to be interesting considering that I have to drag my voluptuous curves up the hills - and my arms are all I have to help me. On the upside: I'm as obstinate as an ox and I truly WANT to finish this 'race'. On Sunday I completed my 1st 30km training ride in 2hrs 10min (and I have a daft half-arm suntan to prove it). There was an interesting test that presented itself at the bridge on Princessvlei Road. A dude (approx 40 and on an old-fashioned 'dikwiel' bike) and I arrived at the robots leading to the bridge at the same time. With my superior arm thrust I pulled ahead of him. Due to my larger frame (mine - not the bike's ...) he overtook me as I slowed on the lower slope. And then, halfway up the bridge, he got off his bike and started walking. Driven by oestrogen (and knowing that I can't afford any hill to beat me before I get onto the road on 14 March) I powered my way up the bridge at 2km/hr, one armswing, one heartbeat, one moebie deep breath, at a time. The dude was clearly embarrassed to be 'beaten' by this grey-haired old duck going at a snail's pace and lagged behind.

When I hit the crest of that hill I could hear the roar of the crowds, could feel the warm glow of accomplishment and could taste the victory of a challenge well met. Or maybe it was just the rush of blood through my temples as I knew that after every uphill the sweet exhiliration of a downhill awaits. And as I zoomed downhill at 40km/hr I knew that the only voice I need to hear is my own, egging myself on to attack the next long stretch, the next hill, the next victory ...

Oh the hills and dales ...

Hmm. So my arms DO work, they ARE strong, but when they have to multi-task at speed it gets a bit hairy. Changing gears, breaking and turning whilst trying to power your way around a corner going uphill - there's a trick that I'm constantly practising. Not so easy. But on the positive side - I AM moving. The slowest I have gone is 2km/hr (the disastrous killer hill on Firgrove Way just before you hit the circle on Ladies Mile Road) and the fastest I've clocked is 40km/hr (same hill going in the opposite direction - my much preferred option!).

Two weeks ago I started with a 5km ride and this Saturday I clocked my first 20km ride (with a 15km ride on Friday and Saturday). I'm getting there. I am consciously trying to get a few hills in without killing my start-up enthusiasm, so am opting for conquering bridges as opposed to 2km mountain uphills. The bridge on Roscommon Road has started featuring on my route and please keep in mind that I'm still wary of traffic and terrified to be on the road, with my wheels being so low and so wide.

All in all, I'm excited about the progress and I'm getting interesting comments from all kinds of spectators. The ones I fear the most are the large dogs who find me particularly interesting. They are on eyeball level with me and I find them pretty daunting. I keep hoping that their owners have them on a short leash and that I only meet them on a downhill ...