A few weeks ago an article here reported on Herb Schon, who will celebrate his golden years (actually his diamond birthday) with a coast-to-coast San Francisco-to-New Hampshire bike ride operated by America by Bicycle starting June 2. How is he training?
"After five weeks of serious training I've since given thought to how great a month in Europe could be or a ski trip to New Zealand or heli skiing in British Columbia," Herb chuckled, admitting these were the thoughts of a driven man. "Fortunately, my strong work ethic as well as my stubbornness have prevailed and after each ride I return to the tremendous joy I'm getting."
His training started March 1 to give Herb nearly three months."I prepared for about 250 miles the first month," he said. Now -- longer rides, plus hill climbs, lighter riding or visits to the gym. In May, he'll do the Santa Fe Century, (one of many 100 mile road bicycle rides in various states) and three 80-mile days per week.
That sounds tough for a cyclist half his age, but Herb is not fazed. "Hey! I can write any plan I want! Having a hot tub in the yard for a morning and evening soak has been a blessing. Having an inversion table to stretch my back twice a day has brought miracles. Water running in the gym's therapy pool is another recovery miracle."
Fuel? "Having food, food, food --read, proteins -- has fueled this geezer's body beyond belief. I feel like a young 60 year-old."
What does Herb's Riding Log for the first four weeks reveal? "I'm amazed and pleased. My weekly average was 259 miles with 87 hours in the saddle." That included five non-riding days, three due to hail and snow. He also strained his groin doing too many climbs the second week.
He then admonished himself. "Herb...curb your enthusiasm and remember, there is a tomorrow!"
Herb's surgically repaired shoulders are holding up: And other problems? A knee ligament tear "has responded well to my therapy, and I can live with the one uncomfortable spot on my butt."
Perhaps most important, "I manage to keep my wife Irene supportive of my efforts so long as I phone home when I can get a cell signal," Herb said. "That, and sharing a couple glasses of wine after 5 P.M.".
He remembers fondly a tee shirt from his running days, which "sums things up for a good run at personal fulfillment." It reads: "You're only young once but you can be immature all your life."
Senior Travel at Suite 101.com will keep readers posted again soon on this Santa Fe cycling legend in the making.
