Tour De France

Welcome to July and August. The dog days of summer where going to the beach is a must, soaking up the sun and getting a perfect tan is mandatory, and of course, visiting as many lemonade stands and running through as many sprinklers as possible are the only things you are really graded on. Since I have returned from my travels I have spent the last couple of weeks riding my bike all over Chicago enjoying the sunshine and summertime. I have also become totally engrossed with the Tour De France, repping my “LiveStrong” bracelet wherever I go, cheering for Lance Armstrong from my couch or the bike I ride at the gym.

My obsession with the Tour De France started this summer while I was burning some lbs on the bike and dying for something to watch on the attached TV at the gym. My legs were killing me and all I could think about was the delicious smoothie I was going to treat myself to at the end of my grueling torture session. But then, as I was flipping through the channels, I stumbled upon the Tour De France. Skinny men climbing through the alps in their spandex suits with their teammates to pace themselves. I ended up sitting on the bike for an hour longer than I had intended, totally engrossed in the British commentary and strategy of bike racing. I will admit that I know absolutely nothing about bike riding, except for the little I’ve done at school and at home during the summer. But ever since I have started watching I have found myself glued to the TV every morning desperate to catch a glimpse of the leader of the pack, cheering on my favorite riders hoping that the people at the gym don’t think I’m totally crazy for cheering on Lance Armstrong and his team members out loud, I might add, while the old people work out next to me at 8am. Really, what college kid gets up at 8 am to ride a bike and watch the Tour De France? I guess that goes to show how much I have been enthralled by this race.

I went out the other day and even bought a “LiveStrong” bracelet, so whenever I was watching the races I could feel like a little part of the team. Totally nerdy, I know, but who doesn’t enjoy jumping on the bandwagon every once in a while? I also listened to an interview with one of Lance’s teammates, who was asked what he thought it was like riding on the Tour and training with Lance. He responded by saying that Lance isn’t out on the Tour this year to win, he is out on the Tour to help save lives and to create more cancer awareness through his foundation. I thought that was a really admirable thing to say, and hey, third place isn’t too bad either!

So what is next for my bike riding obsession? The possible creation of my own bike team? The joining of the W&M cycling team? Maybe…but do I have to wear those spandex? Maybe even starting the very first Tour De Williamsburg!? Perhaps. These are all ideas I will toy with upon my return to W&M in the fall, which, by the way, I can NOT wait for! Orientation is so close, and maybe I will take my OA hall of Yates First South out on a bike ride. Who knows? But I will say that the Tour De France has totally inspired me not only to bring out my inner athlete, but also my love of service to people in need. So much to think about!