3 months from today - May 17th - I'll be arriving in Atlanta in advance of the AIDS Vaccine 200 ride. The cross-country journey will take most of Thursday - lugging both my bike case and gear bag with me. Then, on Friday, I'll be busy re-assembling and readying my bike, cycling clothing and gear in order to ride out early on Sat, May 19th.
Early in January I posted a post-operative update and now, I can joyfully report that I've been freed from all casts and boots and can actually fit my still healing foot into my cycling shoe! My right foot, according to my surgeon was basically reconstructed, but all x-rays look good and I've been discharged to physical therapy. Weather-permitting I'll get out on my bike for a short, flat ride soon and then put my training ride schedule into gear, as I'll need a bunch of miles on my bike in order to be ready to not only complete the ride, but to have FUN too!
I am grateful for any support you can give me and, in light of recent news re: non-profit organizations, I want to explain again why I chose this particular ride as my beneficiary organization: it's 100% volunteer (ride organizers, riders, crew) and every $ that you donate to my efforts (secure link to my rider donation page below) goes directly to AIDS vaccine research. Also, I pay every cost associated with my participation: rider registration, round-trip airfare, lodging, meals, cycling gear: all of it.
Tailwinds!
Mary
