Ben on our shoulders

Ahhh, what a beautiful morning for a bike ride... NOT. Text messages started flying back and forth between Kelly and I this morning around 5 am as we woke to pouring rain and lots of lightning. The plan was to ride the Sunflowers to Roses ride and get about 60 + miles on the seat. We had both been looking forward to it all week but it was looking like the ride just wasn't going to happen. Radar was checked with no sign of relief from the rain in sight and we were back and forth trying to decide what to do. I was looking in the race packet to find a number to call and saw in the frequently asked questions section that the ride would take place rain or shine. So, Kelly jumped in her jeep and made her way from Lawrence to meet me at Bike Source, the start of the ride. I arrived and no one had left yet- the parking lot was full of bikers either still sitting in their cars or standing with their bikes under big umbrellas. They pushed the start to 8 am instead of 7:30 and after the champagne toast, a group headed out on the route. Kelly arrived and at this point, we were still debating whether or not to go because it was pouring like mad and the lightning continued. We both knew what the other was thinking but didn't express it until later. What were we thinking? That we would never hear the end of it from our coach, Ben, if we didn't get our butts on our bikes and ride. He doesn't like excuses and expects us to train in all the elements because, as we all know, race day could bring anything. We ended up taking off with a couple we had just met and through the first 10+ miles took a beating with the wind and rain. Finally it stopped and soon we were at our first rest stop to grab a bite, drink, rest, etc. We didn't stay there long and hopped back on our bikes- at this point, the weather had started shaping up and we knew we were in for a fun day. The fun really escalated at the mile 30+ rest stop. The sun was popping out and lo and behold, there were margaritas, beer, jello shots, food and a slip-n-slide. We did not indulge in the slippping and sliding but of course, did not turn down the margaritas! It was a well earned drink, we savored every sip. We loaded up on food and just as we were leaving, our arms were twisted into slamming a jello shot. Wow! I haven't done one of those in many, many, years. We were really ready to tackle any upcoming hills after that! Off we went with a tailwind- FINALLY- and started on the road back to Bike Source. The reward at the end was a nice cold beer at the post ride party and once again, it was a well deserved drink. It's hard to believe, but Kelly and I shut that party down. We were the last riders there- we were having such a good time reliving the day. Both of us, tired as we were, were very thankful for having Ben on our shoulder at all times pushing us and not letting us fall off the line. What a day! Thanks, Ben!!!