Riding in Baja

I am grateful to each of you for your words of encouragement and positive feedback. I have been away for the past week and a half. This time it wasn't due to a crash or car accident or hospitalization. This time it was to TRAIN! I did a 250 mile ride in Baja, Mexico. I rode with some Mexican wheelchair athletes for five days. It was interesting to ride on Mexico's narrow roads as large trucks zoomed past us every few minutes. We had two sag wagons protecting us, providing us with warm drinks (since little ice was available), and medical attention for those that needed it. Yes, as you may have guessed, I was one of them once again. My shoulder continues to heal but they were very concerned as my clavicle has healed at an odd angle with the outside edge sticking up an inch above its previous position. I am creating my own version of an old story: "The Hunch Shoulder of Mexican Descent." There were some tough hills and climbs. Some of the climbs were over a 13% grade. With the brakes fully engaged, my bike continued to slip backwards down the hill. I finally managed to stop it and began again by moving sideways up one direction and then sideways up in the other direction. By the time I finished this climb, you could see the threads of my front tire as it had kept spinning in place without gaining any forward momentum, but I was determined to make it to the top. When I looked back, I was the only one on the hill. The other bikers had taken to the sag wagons. You wouldn't believe how many times I thought of the same thing; the thought of the reward of the downhill speed kept me going. This is the fastest speed I have ever reached on my handcycle - 65 miles an hour and I had to use the brakes several times. Talk about a rush! I kept thinking, "If you fall, your Olympic dream is over!" Fortunately, everything worked out fine despite the other athletes thinking I was absolutely crazy! I am back to training on my own on the bike trails and hills around the Sacramento area. From now until the Games, my training routine is very specific; three nine-mile time trials a week, intervals, and uphill sprints. I'll keep you posted! Stay strong, Alejandro Albor