A favorite idiom hung from my desk when I was in college:

“I was never called a feminist until I refused to let others treat me like a doormat.” (unknown author)

I grew up in an era where being independent was a good thing, although during the years when I was emotionally and physically untethering myself from a destructive relationship, I learned that my lifetime of forged independence was actually a huge detriment because of the isolation it created.

Very quickly I was going to accept help from others, abandon my dignity at the door, and turn the page starting a healthier chapter of our lives. Having learned that lesson, I entered this endeavor knowing the support of family, friends and service-based organizations would help me meet my goals. 

The following links are unsolicited testimonials for establishments that do not know me personally, but provided wonderful support, products and services so I could train for this tour and raise money for children’s healthcare.

Lynnwood Calvary Chapel – “I have plans for you…a plan for hope and a future without despair” this was the verse that kept me going during adversity (I’ll be reciting it while ascending the mountains!) I enjoy the heartfelt sermon taught each week by Pastor Scott and fully experience the spirit from where it comes. Casual and friendly, always a satisfying drink from the spiritual well providing inspiration from on high.

Triumph Multisport – For endurance training supplements, these guys rock! John and his crew have the BEST selection of supplements. When I mentioned doing a 685 mile ride through France for Children’s – eyes lit up and they responded “Oh man! I wish I could go!” They obviously “get it”! Next year, we'll welcome more riders.

Team Estrogen – My very favorite site for great women’s cycling and running apparel. All my favorite pieces came from TE – great selection, price and service all the way around.

Velo Cycles – As a returning rider, with most previous experience on a hybrid (read -- heavy with fat tires) I got Amelia, my yellow Giant TCR, at Velo. My cycling partner Lowell has been a customer at Lloyd Tamura's shop for years, buying many bikes there. Mike, their mechanic takes good care of us and our bikes.

Dinner’s Ready – In my quest to squeeze in precious time for training, I needed a way to meet my training goals and my children’s nutritional needs without relying on expensive poor quality take-out. Kathy and Pim of the Mill Creek Dinner’s Ready made sure I could feed my family affordable, high quality meals at a fraction of the time it takes to cook from scratch. For my kids and I, it saved time and money and we had less waste because I let each child pick their favorite meals.

Cascade Cycling Club – A nonprofit, Seattle cycling club making sure everyone knows the benefits of cycling. Fabulously organized with daily rides led by trained volunteer ride leaders, the club is for EVERYONE who loves cycling. If you’re new to the sport, welcome! There are rides for newbies as well.

In our current society where service and inspiration is sometimes hard to find, I hope you will consider those that daily follow their own passion and in turn assisted me in creating a healthier environment for our children.

Thank you for supporting Children's Hospital through the Pedal It Forward guild.

This time next week, we'll be cycling through the French countryside for Children's Hospital. Six days and counting!!!