the end of 48 miles! my hair was actually sticking straight up filled with gravel!
I DID IT! I made it 48.5 miles. But I have to admit today was 60 miles……so if anyone wants any money back let me know.
The day started off on a bad note. I woke up at 3am (6am our time), I just wasn’t used to the time change yet and I was really REALLY nervous. I am not ashamed of the fact that I have all these fears that I want to face…..it is just the way it is! So by the time I ate breakfast I was ready for lunch. I was so afraid to get on the bike that I took it on the trolley to the start off point. NOW that was ridiculous! People looked at me like I had three heads. Especially when they asked me what I was doing and I told them going on a fifty mile ride! So we all sat at the Oregon State Hospital University as we gathered and drank water, listened to Kyle Bryant talk with so much inspiration, and tied up some last minute “housekeeping” information. I was really sick to my stomach. As we watched the rain come down, I watched people putting on more and more layers of clothing wondering how the heck I was going to get out of this thing without anyone noticing that I didn’t ride! But as the kick off got closer I just made myself get up and layer the rain gear. I had to do it because if I didn’t I would never be able to tell Sam and Alex that they had to reach for more strength when the going gets tough again! So I did it! I piled on the gear……I looked like LYCRA WOMAN! It was a claustrophobic’s worst night mare …..I promise you. I had on three pair’s of pants, four shirts plus a rain jacket, helmet, skull cap, ear muffs, gloves, neck warmer, bike shoes with these awful gortex boots over them. It was freezing but I was sweating profusely! Then the moment came……we took off! I just got on that bike and rode like no tomorrow! Into busy downtown Portland. I even rode by my trolley stop that the bike and I took to get to the start off. But I rode with a group of about 20 people and I watched in amazement as the proficient bikers took over and lead and followed those of us who were not that steady! As the miles went on I saw kindness and camaraderie at it’s best! We all looked out for traffic, stop lights and everything else you had to watch and each other.
Through it all I fell once…ouch! Had to fix the chain on my bike once, watched a bike mate who took a terrible spill on the railroad tracks taken away in an ambulance- stitches! Rode in pouring rain, in sleet, in wind and a little sunshine! After my first flat at mile 38 I ran into big trouble! The gravel in the bike lane was bad, so Steve fixed my flat and sent me on my way, within 5 miles I had a second flat! We thought it was just a slow leak so we pumped up the tire. Paul and I continued to fill my tires for another ten miles every 1/2 mile until boom, second flat! I was then picked up by the sag van and brought in at mile 48.5………sorry!
nothing to say here.....check out the tractor trailer coming!
I knew there would be great things about the ride and one is Amy! I met a new person who is funny and kind, caring and sweet. Amy was a leader of the pack in more ways than one. We got to take in some great miles together. We are two moms with one special thing in common, we have kids with Friedreich’s ataxia…..we are sick of it and want to do something about it! I now have made a great new friend, one that I will cherish from this ride on……..I am now a step closer to becoming a better person because of Amy!
a quick minute to snap a shot and drink some water! Amy my guardian angel!
I was soaked to the skin…..every layer. But I was not cold, I was not discouraged and I am proud to say I feel like it has been a good lesson. There were miles where we couldn’t see in front of us. The route today was like traveling on the Berlin Turnpike………there were huge tractor trailers and lots of lumber trucks traveling at pretty high rates of speed. The water that comes off those trucks is unbelievable! So we were just told that tomorrow will not be as busy as a route. The road does have some curves and small bike lanes with drop offs on the outside without guard rails. But I am ok tonight. I think I will sleep better and I am hoping for a day without rain …..at least without DRIVING RAIN!
Amy-minus the gravel, dirt, wet and wind!
Thank you all so much for the words of encouragement! It means everything in the world to me
With Love and Peace
Always
AHHHHHHH! Just got handed the Biofreeze!
Meir 
9:24 pm on March 16th, 2009
Hi mary, you gave me a heart in hartford and it was a
very nice thing. your enthusiasm for your impending ride was infectious and i thought about you at the time that your were probably underway. Whatever the cause; whatever your motivation, I hope your success
was all you hoped for…..louie
3:40 am on March 17th, 2009
Hi Mary,
Can’t tell you how PROUD I am that you’ve made it thru day one…the most diificult challenge of the ride. I’m sure the anticipation was starting to take its toll…48.5 miles…OMG! Ride on my friend…I am sending you love and energy every step of the way. Once again, you are an amazing inspiration to so many people…first and foremost, your girls! And I see that you have managed to spread that inspiration throughout the country (see note from Louie) Each day will get easier…looking forward to hearing about day 2! Love, peace, blessings to you
travel safe! Suzy
3:50 am on March 17th, 2009
Git ravel is known for cleaning the scalp. It is a form of roughage and when you get back to Ct.it can be used to fill a small pothole or two.
Wonderful weather out there Mac?Not!
You will do 50 miles today!
Mike
4:37 am on March 17th, 2009
WOW you are amazing, I always knew you were! How is your computer working? We miss you and are thinking of you all day long. Say Hello to Marilyn, Sandy, Dave, Paul and your new inspiration Amy. I think if you can ride 48.5 miles I can at least walk a mile or two. Your the best and I am sure you will have another awesome day minus the gravel, rain, trucks, flat tires…..
Love, peace and RIDE ON!
Love, Me, Jack, Matthew and Blue
5:16 am on March 17th, 2009
Hi Mary,
Thanks for the blog entry! We’re laughing and crying with you! We rode in Ride Ataxia II and experienced ALL the same emotions, concerns, and jubilations! It is phenomenal and a life-changing experience!
We should have told you the Bryants aren’t the best estimaters when it comes to miles! “50 miles a day” is what you signed up for, not 60! So you were only 1.5 miles short of your goal … you could “Sling a cat that far!” … Think about that today on your ride!
And hello and hugs to Amy! You found a good egg out there!
5:17 am on March 17th, 2009
mary
what an inspiring entry of your first day—- I loved that you took the tolley to the start and was honest enough to share that— you are amazing — just checked the weather there is a glimmer of sunshine for all of you tomorrow—hang in there and have fun
love
janie
5:28 am on March 17th, 2009
Maryyyy!!!! So proud of you!!! Keep up the good work and don’t forget what you’re there for
we are all thinking of you and my students & i wish you buena suerte (good luck)!!! Love u lots and wish u the best. xoxox mia
ps- dont forget the funny moments so we can have some laughs (and cookies) when u get back
5:34 am on March 17th, 2009
Sounds like quite an adventure. Congratulations on conquering your fears! You really are a hero! Keep on pedaling. Can’t wait to hear about day 2.
5:46 am on March 17th, 2009
Mary,
Words cannot describe the emotion I feel when reading your blog. I think you have missed your calling as a writer. Your ability to captivate my attention is amazing. I want to keep on reading more! I believe that is what draws everyone to you. I don’t think you realize how amazing you are. What an incredible journey you are in right now! I am proud to know you and your family and am behind you all the way. Keep on pedaling, I know you have the strength!
Love,
Fran
6:22 am on March 17th, 2009
OMG!!! ok, so when you told me you were going to do this ride I thought wow 50 miles a day! I was very impressed. However (not being a rider myself) I imagined that each day you would be riding on perfectly paved trails with the sun peaking through the Seattle clouds. (What a dreamer huh?) Never in my wildest dreams did I even consider the harsh reality of what you’re doing-rain, sleet gravel!!! Fran is right- this is great book material Meir…. You are beyond amazing- I am cheering for you all the way.
xoxo,
Jo Ann
7:22 am on March 17th, 2009
1 day down- we’ll keep watching the dots! I can’t tell you how proud we are!
Love, me
8:08 am on March 17th, 2009
Oh, Mary! You are doing so great!! I LOVE this blog post. It made me laugh and wince and I could practically feel the gravel and sleet. That clicky kind of snow! Oh my goodness. I have been thinking of you and sending you love and energy. You are so courageous! Thank you for taking the time to blog at night to catch us all up with your adventure. We feel that we’re on the journey with you. And wait until you get back and see the WONDERFUL story Pam McLoughlin did on you for the Register! I’m saving it for you. You’ll be so thrilled! Love to you–and to your new friend, Amy.
xoxoxo, sandi
8:18 am on March 17th, 2009
YOU ARE AMAZING!!!
Keep pedaling & passing out those hearts!
God Bless!
Love,
Alli
8:28 am on March 17th, 2009
Dear Meir,
What an amazing job you are doing, not just by riding your bike but by inspiring so many people to make the most of their lives. You have been given a challenge and have risen to the occasion in ways most people would never think of doing. Keep up the good work. I am very proud of you. Wish I could be there with you.
Love Aunt Jean
9:36 am on March 17th, 2009
Mary!
I am so proud and awed by you! 48.5 miles is more than most people have ever done, and you still managed to keep your ever-present good humor and positive spirit. Can’t believe you were even able to lift your arms to take these photos–but so glad you did!
xoxo
–lynn
10:10 am on March 17th, 2009
Mary,
I am so proud of you. I can’t imagine facing that many fears at one time. I can’t wait to see you in Seattle. I met your angel Amy last year and she is great. Tell her hi from me. I so happy to hear the you are all looking out for each other, but given the group, I would expect nothing less.
You go girl!
Mary-Lisa
10:45 am on March 17th, 2009
GOOOOOOOOO MARY!!!!
We can’t believe you had to ride in the rain!!! Your strength and determination are amazing….I get tiered just going up and down stairs!! Your girls must be so very proud. We’re all following and pulling for you back here….Keep it up! Your such an inspiration!
Mindy, Billy, Gage, Paulie and Jazz!!!
12:13 pm on March 17th, 2009
Congratulations, Meir, on finishing day one. Two flats is really something. Guess it’s better that your bike got “tired” rather than you, huh? You’re such a champ for all of us. Hope you have better weather and better tires on day two.
Loving regards,
Ron
2:07 pm on March 17th, 2009
Hi Mary,
We have been following all of your posts…Congrats on finishing your first day. I am amazed…I thought it was 50 miles over 4 days..I had no idea it was 50 miles a day. You are truly inspirational.
Go Mary GO!!!!!!!!!!!
Love, Tracy, Jim and Nick
2:37 pm on March 17th, 2009
Way to go Meir, it sounds scary and exciting. Good luck with day 2, I will pray for no rain….What’s next Everest??? We are all routing for you and your cause.
Julie, Ken and Lauren
3:11 pm on March 17th, 2009
I have you tell you how much I am inspired by you and everyone else on this ride. I see hope for all of our children and every mile you guys ride. Though we just became part of this family, I feel you are riding not only for your girls but mine too. I am so inspired, that I know I will be in next years ride. Thanks for everything you are all doing for our kids.
5:57 pm on March 17th, 2009
hi meir, sometimes when i read what you are writing i feel like you are in my head. i think so much like you that i never even realized. are not you having a blast. just think about the magnitude of what you are doing, tomorrow will be so much better, love ya, micki
6:58 pm on March 17th, 2009
50 down and 150 to go. Piece of cake or should I say gravel. Lance Armstrong has nothing on you. Way to go!!
9:03 am on March 18th, 2009
Geez, Mary … you are AMAZING! What a huge thing to do in your life, & for such a great cause
What a memory, too. I’m sharing all this with my daughter Bailey (9,& who has YET to learn to ride a bike, also hates cold weather, wet weather… um.. weather period). As we read, I’m explaining to her what you folks are going through just to raise awareness and get $$$ together to help research. I’m explaining that what you’re doing will help her & people like her be healthier & maybe even cured some day. (& throw in a message about TANSTAAFL here & there for good measure) She’s mightily impressed 
Gooooo Mary!
12:29 pm on March 18th, 2009
You guys are amazing! I’m so impressed and awed by you! Thank you just seems like such a small to word to express what I feel for each of you that is out there working so hard at raising awareness and funds for FA.
I am humbled to just know you guys!
Jan Crowley
Wichita Falls, TX
Courtney (FA) — Chris (FA)