Great I’m on my way! When our two Serbian employees, the Harhaji brothers, Boris and Igor, get wind of what I’m doing, they are quite excited. You have to understand that these two guy have a strong passion for the art of training. Almost every day they are TRAINING! Be it a swim across the pond, lifting weights that they found at the swap shop, or riding bikes, they somehow fit it into their busy day. While riding alongside the brothers, with their eastern European discipline for “training”, I begin to see a huge difference between riding my bike and training for a bike trip. Like I see the difference between a seared sea scallop or a seared piece of meat, and the searing pain in the thighs and gluts when riding a bike up one of the beautiful Truro hills. I must say that all of this training is made easier when you are doing it with others. Inspiration from Boris and Igor has certainly pushed my inner discipline to a new level, and so I can’t help but think of them when I am ‘training”.
It becomes more exciting and the challenges seem easier to meet with others along for the ride. Part of the reason that I’m doing this ride is due to the Idiots. I probably wouldn’t even think of going it solo. What could be better than a ride across Spain and Portugal with Ellery and Levi? I know that they will keep me laughing for sure, and as far as inspiration and challenge, I think they have that covered pretty well too. There is another thing about training that I didn’t mention and that’s time. Ok, so preparing to ride your bike about 650 miles does take a little inner discipline, but did I mention how much time one has to set aside in the day to train. Riding to the restaurant was one thing, a half hour or 45 minutes. Riding for thirty or forty miles takes several hours. How do working folks fit it in to a busy day? My answer has been getting up before the crack of dawn and so far that has been fine. I figure that will probably be the schedule when we’re riding The Camino anyway, so I should be all set when the Spanish sun shows it’s face peeking over the Pyrenees mountains. That will probably be the part of the ride that will be the most challenging physically. But does it have to be the first day? No one said that I have to ride the whole Camino. As long as you get to Santiago de Campostella by noon for mass it shouldn’t matter if you walk, ride a horse, or a bike. For that matter why not a combination of all three? The trip promises to be an adventure of a lifetime, with lots of laughs (and not too many aches and pains) till we reach the finish line in Porto. With the huge group of family and friends gathering in Portugal, New Year’s eve is going to be some party.
Comments
Gisele (Levi's Mom)
Fri, 27 Nov 2009 09:29:12
Adrian,
Welcome to "Team Idiots". I admire your adventurous spirit in wanting to join Ell and Levi. As part of the "over 50 crowd" I could see myself biking the half hour but 50+ miles per day? I'm in awe! Keep up the training, (yes, where do you find the time!)it will serve you well. I'll be waving the checkered flag for the three of you in Porto!! Love Gisele
BARRY
Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:32:08
BRAVO ON YOUR GREAT ADVENTURE..I ADMIRE YOUR DEDICATION TO YOU TRAINING,RESTAURANT AND YOUR FAMILY.HAVE ALWAYS BEE A POWER OF EXAMPLE TO LIVE LIFE AND WITH AN OPEN HEART.SENDING ENERGY AND PRAYERS FOR A SAFE JOYOUS TRIP AND SAFE RETURN
BARRY
Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:15:21
Hi Adrian,
You are ready to rock and ride. Can't wait to read your blogs. Best of luck and keep stretching! Enjoy the experience.
Judy
Carol Slyce
Sat, 05 Dec 2009 06:46:02
I learned from SB yesterday that the day you join Ell and Levi has been changed to the 6th which is tomorrow. I am so excited for you! I wonder where you and Annette are at this moment?
I can't wait for your first blog! I leave for England in 5 days but will have my computer with me.
Much love dear friend! I can just picture the joy of the reunion as you join the idiots! xxxooo Carol
Lisa P
Sat, 05 Dec 2009 20:39:32
Chef Adrian, you are a true inspiration!! I've been waiting for your first blog posts! Ride on...and know that years offer perspective, wisdom and endurance!! Cheers/carbs! -Lisa
Liz and JIm Williamson
Mon, 07 Dec 2009 06:10:08
Adrian face it...you are an IDIOT at heart. It was so exciting to see Pan-Eur bike map at the restaurant this summer and to be able to check on Ellery's progress via the internet. Now to know you are sticking to your word....ok maybe they were Julian's words to begin with....and escorting Ellery and Levi on their final leg through Spain is icing on the adventure. Train well and stay safe. Liz and JIm Williamson
Mon, 07 Dec 2009 07:34:19
Adrian,
no doubt,Mom's on your right side and Dad's on your
left.You know how much he loved to travel. And
with combined eyes and spirits the view will be
breath taking. Happy trails.Sending loving energy
and hope.
Blessings,Janet
jackie
Sun, 13 Dec 2009 15:42:52
hi from arizonia. thinking of you and wishing you lots of luck on your trip.i hope the peanutbutter works its charm.bless all of you. jackie
Michelle (Mickle)
Fri, 25 Dec 2009 11:13:06
Adrian!!!!!! That part about the Serbs and training is BRILLIANT and I'm so happy you are having the time of your life!!!
