She’s Always Been There…
This post is a pause from my cycling training, my cycling fundraising and my overall cycling obsession. Why? Because without a very important person in my life… much of this wouldn’t be what it is!
I want to recognize my wife, Janice. She’s been there for it all. She was there for my first duathlons, triathlons, the mountain centuries and even 24 hour cancer fundraisers. She’s been there on training routes to pass me cold water bottles and food.
She’s been on almost every course pushing me and at almost every finish to cheer me home. She’s made “Allez, Allez Daddy” signs with our sons and taught them how to ring the cow bell. She’s followed along 100 plus mile courses through the mountains making sure she could check on me and cheer me through six hours of pedaling.
She, along with our oldest son, would be cheering me on if only for a few seconds as I pedaled by. They would jump back in the car and find their way around the race route to another cheering stop. I remember a few points in tough rides where I thought I was drained.
In fact, at one point, I had to stop to see them. I quickly gained an amazing amount of drive after a reassuring… “You’re still strong honey!” … and a quick hug.
Through lots of love, prayers, smiles, cheers and even some tears… I’ve made it through every mile with the help of my biggest fan. I’m not quite sure what I’m striving for on the bike mile after mile, year after year… but I can’t thank her enough for sticking with me in this journey.
And as I continue to mash the pedals for the next cycling challenge, I’m comforted knowing this: She’s that extra hit of hydration, that additional nibble of nutrition, that supplemental surge in my legs and the ” I have it all” in my heart.
I have an immense amount of gratitude and love for all that she is and all that she does.
She’s always been there and I can’t thank her enough!
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Comments
You got me crying at the end of line 2!! I believe that behind every strong man there an even stronger woman!Hi, hi.
Thank you for sharing,
Mari-jo
IAN: Thanks so much! Yep and she deserves even more.
Mari-Jo: No tears… Happy Times. 
Yep, a strong woman helping keep the sometimes chaotic family life flowing.
Jennifer: Thanks for reading. Hope all is well!
Awww…what a nice post. Truly deserving and Inspiring. I can relate to your feelings and the importance of having a great wife and family supporting you and your cycling. We need them more than they realize. Glad you were able to let your wife know.
My hat is off to you for recognizing your wife’s contribution! Very heart felt blog. It takes a secure woman to support a cyclist. I know I couldn’t function without my wife’s’ support. She calls it “The Cycling Widow Syndrome” during the season!
DARRYL: Thank you. Your thoughts are much appreciated.
MICHAEL: It was easy to write… as the thoughts are always on my mind. We do have a huge amount of support from our wives!
Without the supporters and dedicated partners of riders this sport would be nothing. It’s such a good thought, Donald, to write about Janice’s support of your cycling and it’s such a well written post.
You’re welcome sweetie.
I’m enthralled by your cycling passion. And I believe there is tremendous value in being able to teach our boys about commitment, drive and JOY by doing something you love.
GROOVER: Thanks so much. As I mentioned in a previous comment, it’s always on my mind when I ride. I finally needed to put it in writing.
JANNY: Thanks love!
CHRISSY: DO NOT make Jerry mad at me. I was just sharing.
WENDY: Thanks! I’m so fortunate she kept me.
What a beautiful post! It is so important to remember to thank and celebrate those that keep us going in this crazy world. It’s great to have such nice and fun friends and happy families to be around!
This is very sweet but between what you have written here and her excellent cookies, I am not sure why we are bringing you to Europe in summer instead of Janice. I know for a fact, Duck, that you will never look at me on the Tourmalet and say: “You’re still strong honey!”
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Beautifully written post and well deserved recognition for your strongest supporter.