My Very, Very Good Day.

I don't often think of myself as a lucky person, especially now as I sit in a back and neck brace. On Tuesday this week however, I felt like the luckiest person on the planet. I started my day with a doctor's appointment. While I had no reason to suspect this, in my mind I was terrified I would get bad news. (Sometimes I'm not too fond of the way my mind works.) I tentatively asked if surgery was in my future, and the doc almost laughed. "No, no, everything is healing as well as could be hoped." Big sigh of relief! A few more questions, and then my final query. "When can I start to ride my bike again" I asked hopefully. She replied "I thought you'd never ask!" So, long story short, as soon as I return to work I'm free to ride again. About six weeks. I left the appointment feeling much better.
With a little spring in my step, Tuesday evening I headed out to my normal hangout: Tuesday Night Time Trials. For the past seven or so years I've spent many hours racing, organizing, volunteering, and socializing at our little weekly event. Now unable to join in on the racing, I help with the timing, and spend time visiting the people with whom I would normally be riding. The weather was fantastic, the people were friendly, and I was in a good mood after the good news from my doctor. I didn't know it, but my already good day was about to get better.
We gather at the start line for the usual pre-race announcements: be safe, don't draft, etc. But then race director Kelly begins to talk about "Mick Hannah Appreciation Day." Um...what the $*&#@?

I was caught completely off-guard. She talked a bit about her experiences beginning with her first attempt at TT, all the way to the present, and how my involvement was a catalyst in her love of cycling. She continues to speak about how much I mean to this group, and the local cycling community as a whole. And then, I am presented with a briefcase. I'm seriously baffled now, unsure how an aging hippy who happens to love cycling, and is more than happy to share this love with anyone, warrants this much attention. I open the case, to find a tiny briefcase inside. (I believe my first reaction was "It's adorable!") Inside the tiny facsimile was a wad of cash, checks, and a gift card. I am now completely taken aback. Kelly explains that, unbeknownst to me, a collection had been taken while I was indisposed with these broken bones. These funds that you all so generously gave were to help defray the costs of me getting back in the saddle. Amazing. I didn't even know what to say. I am in need of a new helmet, and a replacement frame, so this gift is so much appreciated!
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If you were either trying to embarrass or humble me, you succeeded. The outpouring of generosity and genuine friendship took me utterly by surprise. That day will forever remain in my memory as one of my best days ever. A certain former Tour de France winner once penned a book entitled "It's Not About the Bike." He was correct. It's not about the bike, it's about you, the people of this amazing community that make moments such as these.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

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