When I first contemplated signing up for the ride there were two people
that helped me make my decision, my father and Walt Disney. I overheard
my dad mentioning to my uncle how I was training for this big ride, at
the time I was still contemplating it, but well after hearing my dad say
it I knew I could not disappoint him so I started filling out the
registration form. I had trouble hitting the final submission key
though on that form, so to take a moment and really think about it I
decided to visit Facebook. Low and behold what should I see but a quote
from Walt Disney himself, " The way to get started
is to quit talking and begin doing." So rather than keep talking about
doing something great, I went back and hit the submission key.
Training has become a love hate relationship for me lately. I love getting on my bike and just riding through the countryside. It doesn't matter where I am,either around home, or in Vermont or in Central New York. There is nothing in the world compared to the simplicity of just pedaling and really being part of your surroundings. The hate part of my training is simple, I hate the fact that I can't get on the bike as often as I would like. Life has a funny way of getting in the way all the time.
I have met many wonderful people along the way. The other day I decided to get a quick ride in before some meetings, the trail wasn't that far away and it looked well marked, those are some famous last words. After receiving some last minute instructions of where to get on the trail I started pedaling along the Erie Canal, that right there is pretty cool to me being the history dork that I am. As I was pedaling I could imagine the boats floating down the canal with the mules pulling them along on the very path I was pedaling. After pedaling for a while I realized I did need to head back to attend the meetings, darn life for getting in the way once again. But in typical Lori fashion I realized I had made a wrong turn, or missed a turn. I could have just turned on the phone and looked at a map, but why do that when there was an angel sent to me to give me directions? Dave is a retired gentlemen that travels between Florida and Utica throughout the year and most mornings you will find him out riding his bicycle. When I asked him how to get back to the Campus, he said "not only will I tell you but I will take you there myself," and that he did. You see I did not miss a turn, the turn was gone; it was under construction and to all appearance was impassable, but not for Dave. He showed me where to go through the fences, carry over re-bar, ride along abandoned trails, and to finally arrive at our destination. When I set out that morning I only envisioned riding along where history had occurred, but instead I was rewarded not only with history but with an angel where one was not expected. Thank you once again Dave, without your help it would have been another ride, but instead it was an adventure I will look back at with a smile.
When I first signed up to do the Tour des Trees I would lie awake at night wondering, " What am I doing, What was I thinking?" There were so many nights of insomnia that I wondered if I would ever sleep again. The looming thought of first getting a bicycle to do the ride was over daunting and then to actually raise $3500 during this tough economical time for so many people seemed impossible. As I laid awake every night though I would say a silent prayer, asking for support, for assurance and most of all sanity to complete this endeavor. He heard my prayers and he answered.
Now as the date is fast approaching I realize that I may not be completely ready physically, but my bike is ready and I truly have learned how many friends I have in this big world. I have reached my fundraising goal of $3500 and I could not have done it without all my friends who believe that trees are the answer and they do need our support. So as I start pedaling this Saturday at Niagara Falls, I will not be alone. Riding along with me will be all my friends who contributed financially and physically, which I would like to thank Vicki for all those morning chats at the gym as I dragged myself for over eight months. When I reach the moment where I don't think I can keep pedaling I will hear all of you cheering me on and somewhere deep down I will find my reserves and I will keep pedaling. But if you should be in the area, could you possibly give me a gentle push? I would appreciate it very much.
Thank you once again to everyone that has supported me, not only do I thank you but our future generations thank you because through your support we will have trees for them to enjoy.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Sunday, May 12, 2013
mothers day 2013
This is the third year in a row I am on the road working for Mothers Day. Let me tell you it has been a really hard day for me. I really miss my boys alot, if you are a mother I am sure you understand. To add insult to injury all day I kept seeing lots of bicyclists out and about. I wanted to take my bike off the rack and just join them, although I have a feeling they would leave me in their dust. They all looked really good and well, I am just not at that caliber yet. But I am dedicated at my job and I just kept on trapping, my motto is for every trap I get in the tree I am one trap closer to being with my boys and in their arms.
By this evening the wind had picked up considerably and the cold weather was fast approaching. I was wondering what those strange clouds were over the Adirondacks, now I know; winter clouds, yuck. The really bad thing is, I did not pack any cold weather clothes, so tomorrow should be interesting.
Each day brings a new adventure for me while I am on the road. Today I saw a house in the middle of nowhere on a single lane dirt road that was surrounded by marble or granite statues sculpted to fit into the landscape and they were different greek gods. Let me say it was not what I expected at all, I just wish I had more time to stop and admire the pieces or to atleast take some pictures. But alas, for every trap I am one trap closer to my boys. I also found a glass blowing shop also in the middle of nowhere, which I do want to go back to in the future, maybe the next trip. I talked to a dad who was out turkey hunting with his 11 year old son and learned all about the new lands in which he was working on getting them to be part of a conservation area so they can never be developed. I could see how much it meant to him and how through his diligence his son would be able to teach his son how to hunt on those same land.
I also had the privilege to talk with a gentlemen at the bar as we ate our dinner. He travels alot for his job as well and can understand the tribulations and the adventures of life on the road. He showed me pics of his granddaughter and I shared pics of my boys. He could tell I was having a rough day and by the end of the meal he asked if he could pray for me. I realized then and there how sometimes when you least expect it, god sends his angels to help you. I never would have thought a bar/restaurant would be a place to receive an angel, but hey I also never thought I would see greek gods immortalized in Vermont either. What he said touched my heart immensely and lifted my soul. Although a prayer could never replace my boys nor fill my soul with the love I receive from them, it did help to lift me up and it has given me more strength so I can face tomorrow and get one trap closer to my boys.
So boys and girls what is the message for this mothers day? Maybe its " the unexpected is around the next corner" or maybe its "you don't have to be with the ones you love physically because their love is with you no matter where you are," Or maybe its, "I am proud of you, and to show you I am sending you an angel to give you a message." Whatever the message is I can honestly say that Mothers Day is one day during the entire year and I don't need to celebrate being a mom on only one day when I have all the days of the year to be blessed by two wonderful boys. The best thing that has ever happened to me is gods blessing of letting me borrow two of his angels, I truly am the luckiest mommy in the world and I look forward to celebrating being a mom the second I get home.
Happy Mothers Day to all the moms out there and Happy Travels.
By this evening the wind had picked up considerably and the cold weather was fast approaching. I was wondering what those strange clouds were over the Adirondacks, now I know; winter clouds, yuck. The really bad thing is, I did not pack any cold weather clothes, so tomorrow should be interesting.
Each day brings a new adventure for me while I am on the road. Today I saw a house in the middle of nowhere on a single lane dirt road that was surrounded by marble or granite statues sculpted to fit into the landscape and they were different greek gods. Let me say it was not what I expected at all, I just wish I had more time to stop and admire the pieces or to atleast take some pictures. But alas, for every trap I am one trap closer to my boys. I also found a glass blowing shop also in the middle of nowhere, which I do want to go back to in the future, maybe the next trip. I talked to a dad who was out turkey hunting with his 11 year old son and learned all about the new lands in which he was working on getting them to be part of a conservation area so they can never be developed. I could see how much it meant to him and how through his diligence his son would be able to teach his son how to hunt on those same land.
I also had the privilege to talk with a gentlemen at the bar as we ate our dinner. He travels alot for his job as well and can understand the tribulations and the adventures of life on the road. He showed me pics of his granddaughter and I shared pics of my boys. He could tell I was having a rough day and by the end of the meal he asked if he could pray for me. I realized then and there how sometimes when you least expect it, god sends his angels to help you. I never would have thought a bar/restaurant would be a place to receive an angel, but hey I also never thought I would see greek gods immortalized in Vermont either. What he said touched my heart immensely and lifted my soul. Although a prayer could never replace my boys nor fill my soul with the love I receive from them, it did help to lift me up and it has given me more strength so I can face tomorrow and get one trap closer to my boys.
So boys and girls what is the message for this mothers day? Maybe its " the unexpected is around the next corner" or maybe its "you don't have to be with the ones you love physically because their love is with you no matter where you are," Or maybe its, "I am proud of you, and to show you I am sending you an angel to give you a message." Whatever the message is I can honestly say that Mothers Day is one day during the entire year and I don't need to celebrate being a mom on only one day when I have all the days of the year to be blessed by two wonderful boys. The best thing that has ever happened to me is gods blessing of letting me borrow two of his angels, I truly am the luckiest mommy in the world and I look forward to celebrating being a mom the second I get home.
Happy Mothers Day to all the moms out there and Happy Travels.
Friday, April 19, 2013
The first Big Ride
I did it, I did it and I survived. Earlier this week after attending a day long workshop I was eager to hit the road and put my behind on a bicycle seat. After attaching the new rearview mirror to the helmet, so I could only see the tree tops on the other side of the road, it has since been fixed and now I can see behind my shoulder; I started pedaling. I kind of knew where I was going, if anything I was on an adventure, be what may I figured I could always use my phone and ask it to take me home.
The first hill came and went without much huffing and puffing and the bike seemed to glide over the roadway. I stopped about five miles into the ride and not knowing exactly where I was going I tried setting up map my ride app, no luck, it was taking too long and the sun does not wait for one that tarry for an app.
So off I went, riding blind but with some clue as to where I was going, as I tell the boys, " you are never lost, its just an unplanned adventure." After hitting the ten mile mark of the ride, I had a little mishap, the chain came off. The worse part of it, it was completely my fault, you see I am still learning the gears and how to shift and all that fun stuff, and somehow I messed up and off came the chain. The worse part was it was while I was climbing a very big hill. Bummer, I had to walk up the hill because I could not get started and find the right gear while straining to ride up this hill. But the high light of this event is it offered me the chance to try the app once again and low and behold it worked and now I knew where I was, best of all, I was not lost.
The rest of the ride was pretty uneventful, two dogs came after me, in which I learned you don't need to be fast, just faster than the dog on your heals. There were two more big hills and I did not pop the chain off again but I also could not find the lower gear to make the climb any easier, so I had the opportunity to walk and stretch out those calves. The part of the ride was the best, it was all down hill and it ended at the baseball field where I was able to pick up Mathew and walk home with him.
I love the opportunity to walk and talk with my boys, especially when its just the two of us. I have found at those times they are the more responsive and the most open to discussions. There are no tv's, no ipods, no other siblings, and no chores needing done during those times. Although I do enjoy some quiet time alone I relish and recharge the most during these wonderful times spent together.
As I continue to train for the big bike ride, I am glad for the opportunities to just walk my bike with my boys. When it is time to hit the road and ride for a week, I will gather my strength by remembering these special moments and be thankful for the opportunity to have more as they continue to grow into mature, responsible young gentlemen and yet set aside time to spend walking a bike with mom.
p.s. the entire ride was twenty miles, only five more rotations of that route to replicate day two of the tour. I can do this, I may not be able to move afterwards very fast, but I can do this.
The first hill came and went without much huffing and puffing and the bike seemed to glide over the roadway. I stopped about five miles into the ride and not knowing exactly where I was going I tried setting up map my ride app, no luck, it was taking too long and the sun does not wait for one that tarry for an app.
So off I went, riding blind but with some clue as to where I was going, as I tell the boys, " you are never lost, its just an unplanned adventure." After hitting the ten mile mark of the ride, I had a little mishap, the chain came off. The worse part of it, it was completely my fault, you see I am still learning the gears and how to shift and all that fun stuff, and somehow I messed up and off came the chain. The worse part was it was while I was climbing a very big hill. Bummer, I had to walk up the hill because I could not get started and find the right gear while straining to ride up this hill. But the high light of this event is it offered me the chance to try the app once again and low and behold it worked and now I knew where I was, best of all, I was not lost.
The rest of the ride was pretty uneventful, two dogs came after me, in which I learned you don't need to be fast, just faster than the dog on your heals. There were two more big hills and I did not pop the chain off again but I also could not find the lower gear to make the climb any easier, so I had the opportunity to walk and stretch out those calves. The part of the ride was the best, it was all down hill and it ended at the baseball field where I was able to pick up Mathew and walk home with him.
I love the opportunity to walk and talk with my boys, especially when its just the two of us. I have found at those times they are the more responsive and the most open to discussions. There are no tv's, no ipods, no other siblings, and no chores needing done during those times. Although I do enjoy some quiet time alone I relish and recharge the most during these wonderful times spent together.
As I continue to train for the big bike ride, I am glad for the opportunities to just walk my bike with my boys. When it is time to hit the road and ride for a week, I will gather my strength by remembering these special moments and be thankful for the opportunity to have more as they continue to grow into mature, responsible young gentlemen and yet set aside time to spend walking a bike with mom.
p.s. the entire ride was twenty miles, only five more rotations of that route to replicate day two of the tour. I can do this, I may not be able to move afterwards very fast, but I can do this.
writing assignment
Sometimes the urge is overwhelming to write something and I am glad to say this week was one of those weeks. Although it was not the true assignment I am glad to say I did something, maybe next week I will do the assignment. So here it is, I am not sure where it is going, but it was fun starting it:
“Take my hand, child, the time has come,” I reached for his hand and then hesitated for
a moment. His hands were well worn and
showed the trials and battles he had endured.
“Please, I am not
sure I am ready to know…what if….?” I
did not recognize my own voice, gone was the self confident young lady and she
was replaced with a small child who sounded lost and alone. I had become so scared my whole body began to
shake and I was not sure if I had the strength to even move my feet or raise my
hand to his.
“ Child, trust me, trust your ancestors. They have made this possible. It is time for you to believe in yourself as
they believed in you then and now. Your
ancestors will give you the strength when you need it the most. It is not my hand you grasp but all of them
united together.”
I closed my eyes, took a deep breathe, calmed my racing
heart and grasped his outreached hand. I
said a silent prayer asking for an open mind, strength to move forward and
guidance to accept the answers to questions not yet formulated. As I felt my body relax I gave his hand a
small squeeze to indicate I was ready; I feared my voice would betray me and
reveal how scared I still was, so I remained silent.
“ Sit on the ground in front of me, open your mind and your
senses. Keep your eyes closed, do not
open them till I instruct you. Listen to
the life surrounding you. Listen to the
chickadees in the pines, listen to the chipmunks making a nest in the hollow
log.”
I closed out my wandering thoughts and did as he asked. I found myself being entranced by everything
I listened to, and it felt as though I was not just hearing them, but I was
living through them. Suddenly I felt the
presense of another life force, it felt darker and predatory. I wasn’t alone in knowing we were being
watched, the other animals became silent and stopped moving.
“ there are those who do not want you to know the truth and
they will try and stop you. Alone they
may defeat you, but you are not alone, remember always you are not alone. “
He grasped my other hand and suddenly I felt as though I was
surrounded by a power so strong I knew the intruder could not harm me. I was confident now, stronger, my ancestors
had truly wrapped their arms around me in protection and nothing could harm me.
I heard a soft chuckle where the predator stood off to the
side. Slowly the chuckle became more
distant.
“I will be back, I have been very patient waiting for your
return. Soon you will know my name and
it will pass over your lips with
love. When you remember I will be there. Come and find me nidawi, so I can finish what
you started.” Nidawi means fairy girl
in omaha.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Proud new Owner
Well its official, there is no turning back now, I am the proud new owner of a new to me bike. Not exactly the bike I thought I would be buying this Spring, but who knows what each day will bring and what new endeavors?
This is what I thought I would be buying, isn't she a beauty? Check out the chrome :)
\
And this is what I purchased:
The one I bought requires a little more energy and surprisingly some new gear. Oh dear, I guess I will have to go shopping. The best thing is I got a heck of a deal on the bike, brand new it would have sold for $1200, I paid only $525; plus $90 for two new tires. That is one heck of a deal if I ever saw one, and now I can afford to go out and buy my kayak so the boys and I can get on the water before my big travels of May begin. Now to come up with a name for the bike.
So far this week I have only rode for 2 hours, not much I know, but I did ride in the gym for three hours so far this week. I am hopeful the weather will cooperate tonight and maybe I can get some more riding time. I am slowly learning how to ride again, I never had this fancy of a bike in my life before. Who knew your brake lever is the same for your gear shifts? Not this girl.
This week I have learned how to change my tires, which is a pain in the butt. What the little doo hickey is next to the chain and how to remove it so when it fails and your chain slips you can fix it. I have learned how to fix said chain. I have learned the computer that comes with the bike talks to me, which was very freaky. She must like sitting in the car because she never talked to me before I put her in the car and then she gave me the lowdown on my last ride which was over twelve hours ago. I have learned how to take off and put back on my tires, note you do not have to unscrew both ends all the way, if you do, keep track of the springs.
Most importantly I have learned gear is really really expensive. I need new sunglasses, shoes, shirts, pants, sun protection, jacket and I am sure something else I am missing. But all in due time and I will have it all and be styling as I go down the road.
When I stop and think what I could have had and what I do have, I am thankful. The one I have will get me in shape and challenge me to the fullest extent; and the one I could have had is just going to have to wait a little while longer. Maybe by the time I get it there will be room in the garage for it; now I am dreaming.
This is what I thought I would be buying, isn't she a beauty? Check out the chrome :)
\And this is what I purchased:
The one I bought requires a little more energy and surprisingly some new gear. Oh dear, I guess I will have to go shopping. The best thing is I got a heck of a deal on the bike, brand new it would have sold for $1200, I paid only $525; plus $90 for two new tires. That is one heck of a deal if I ever saw one, and now I can afford to go out and buy my kayak so the boys and I can get on the water before my big travels of May begin. Now to come up with a name for the bike.
So far this week I have only rode for 2 hours, not much I know, but I did ride in the gym for three hours so far this week. I am hopeful the weather will cooperate tonight and maybe I can get some more riding time. I am slowly learning how to ride again, I never had this fancy of a bike in my life before. Who knew your brake lever is the same for your gear shifts? Not this girl.
This week I have learned how to change my tires, which is a pain in the butt. What the little doo hickey is next to the chain and how to remove it so when it fails and your chain slips you can fix it. I have learned how to fix said chain. I have learned the computer that comes with the bike talks to me, which was very freaky. She must like sitting in the car because she never talked to me before I put her in the car and then she gave me the lowdown on my last ride which was over twelve hours ago. I have learned how to take off and put back on my tires, note you do not have to unscrew both ends all the way, if you do, keep track of the springs.
Most importantly I have learned gear is really really expensive. I need new sunglasses, shoes, shirts, pants, sun protection, jacket and I am sure something else I am missing. But all in due time and I will have it all and be styling as I go down the road.
When I stop and think what I could have had and what I do have, I am thankful. The one I have will get me in shape and challenge me to the fullest extent; and the one I could have had is just going to have to wait a little while longer. Maybe by the time I get it there will be room in the garage for it; now I am dreaming.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Training
I have to admit something, I need to get it off of my chest once and for all. Training everyday for this bike ride is killing me!!!!
Honestly I feel like I am a broken record that has a lot of skips. I get up in the morning at 5:40, I let the dog out, I leg the dog in, I feed the dog, I fold the laundry, I get dressed, throw on some extra deodorant and brush my teeth. I drive to the gym, turn on Pandora, turn on the kindle and I bike till even my wrists are sweating. I don't go anywhere except where ever my books take me, and those places have been some very scary lately. I go home, shower, fix the kids breakfast and maybe pack a lunch, rush mathew to band practice, take john to school an hour later and then go to work. Here is where the skipping comes into place, I do it all again five days a week and on the sixth day I just add an extra twenty minutes to the bike ride.
I am sooooo sick of the snow that I think I am going to scream in frustration soon. All I want is to buy a new bike, go out and ride all over the country side. I don't think I can survive much more of gym riding. I want to feel the wind on my face and the adrenaline of riding faster as a dog comes out and chases after me. I want to dodge the post winter pot holes and maybe feel a bug splat against my arm, note I did not say the face. I need fresh air and I need a change of view, I am desperate.
As the song goes by the Byrds:
To everything, turn, turn, turn
There is a season, turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven
Well its time for spring to come and for me to turn my wheels on the ride with my bike. So if anyone out there has a direct line to mother nature could you please call her and let her know we are done with winter and it is time for spring to come for a visit.
On the bright side I was finally able to wear two sneakers to the gym this week, woo hoo after three weeks I am so glad to finally be able to wear two sneakers. This week is already looking better, now if only the snow would stop falling.
Honestly I feel like I am a broken record that has a lot of skips. I get up in the morning at 5:40, I let the dog out, I leg the dog in, I feed the dog, I fold the laundry, I get dressed, throw on some extra deodorant and brush my teeth. I drive to the gym, turn on Pandora, turn on the kindle and I bike till even my wrists are sweating. I don't go anywhere except where ever my books take me, and those places have been some very scary lately. I go home, shower, fix the kids breakfast and maybe pack a lunch, rush mathew to band practice, take john to school an hour later and then go to work. Here is where the skipping comes into place, I do it all again five days a week and on the sixth day I just add an extra twenty minutes to the bike ride.
I am sooooo sick of the snow that I think I am going to scream in frustration soon. All I want is to buy a new bike, go out and ride all over the country side. I don't think I can survive much more of gym riding. I want to feel the wind on my face and the adrenaline of riding faster as a dog comes out and chases after me. I want to dodge the post winter pot holes and maybe feel a bug splat against my arm, note I did not say the face. I need fresh air and I need a change of view, I am desperate.
As the song goes by the Byrds:
To everything, turn, turn, turn
There is a season, turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven
Well its time for spring to come and for me to turn my wheels on the ride with my bike. So if anyone out there has a direct line to mother nature could you please call her and let her know we are done with winter and it is time for spring to come for a visit.
On the bright side I was finally able to wear two sneakers to the gym this week, woo hoo after three weeks I am so glad to finally be able to wear two sneakers. This week is already looking better, now if only the snow would stop falling.
Friday, March 8, 2013
Back to the beginning
Last month I was very fortunate to travel out to Staten Island and visit with my family. It has been over 20 years since I last drove out to see them, and this time I did not get lost, woohooo. Alright we got a little lost but nothing that was too scary. I was blessed to meet Sandy's future husband, he is very talented artist by the way, and to have dinner with the entire family. I don't know what it is about the City but they have some of the greatest diners in the country, and thankfully they took us to one. :) Over dinner Sandy preceded to tell me about our family history and how she traced us back to the first Hebner to settle in the New World. This is where it got interesting. Come to find out the first Hebner settle, are you ready, just north of Toronto Ontario in a small town called Markham. He was a blacksmith and he lived a very full life and had many children.
Now you ask where am I going with this little history lesson? Well I have considered my bike ride this summer not only to be a mid-life crisis event but also a pilgrimage. A pilgrimage to help me get focused on myself, my strengths, my weaknesses and my growth spiritually. Even as I get up everyday to go to the gym, kindle and iphone in hand it is a journey for me to escape the busy schedule I have with the boys and to just focus on me and my weaknesses. I am finding I can pedal faster, stronger and longer each week and I am confident that at the end of the ride I will raise my hands up and shout and triumph. And now knowing my family history I can raise my hands up and say I am home, I am back where it all started and just like the first Hebner I fought my weaknesses and my challenges and I made it.
After the ride is over, after the workshops I hope to attend, and a few beers have been consumed, I will be traveling up to Markham. I look forward to finding the first Hebner's stone in the cemetery and saying to him, " Thank you for making it against the odds, for facing your fears. I hope the determination you showed in the beginning is still being seen today through my journey."
Now you ask where am I going with this little history lesson? Well I have considered my bike ride this summer not only to be a mid-life crisis event but also a pilgrimage. A pilgrimage to help me get focused on myself, my strengths, my weaknesses and my growth spiritually. Even as I get up everyday to go to the gym, kindle and iphone in hand it is a journey for me to escape the busy schedule I have with the boys and to just focus on me and my weaknesses. I am finding I can pedal faster, stronger and longer each week and I am confident that at the end of the ride I will raise my hands up and shout and triumph. And now knowing my family history I can raise my hands up and say I am home, I am back where it all started and just like the first Hebner I fought my weaknesses and my challenges and I made it.
After the ride is over, after the workshops I hope to attend, and a few beers have been consumed, I will be traveling up to Markham. I look forward to finding the first Hebner's stone in the cemetery and saying to him, " Thank you for making it against the odds, for facing your fears. I hope the determination you showed in the beginning is still being seen today through my journey."
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