A topic that I commonly visit is encouraging those to get "out of the box". Roughly meaning, although there are hobbies and pastimes that we all enjoy and frequent which is a healthy part of life, it is also a very eye-opening and growing experience to try new things; whether it be learning an instrument, skydiving, taking an art class, etc. However from time to time, although I often preach this advice, I catch myself running circles inside my box...quite literally. So, a few months ago, I decided that I, along with a friends and family, would join my father and ride the Hilly Hundred bicycle tour this past October 20th and 21st.

The Hilly Hundred is a 100-mile bicycle tour that spans Monroe county and was established in 1967. This was its 45th year in fact. My 72-year-old father rides it EVERY year (well for the past 12 years). Many years he has ridden with friends, my mother a couple of times, but often he has ridden with no companions. I have always bragged to others about how he will drive himself, ride the first day, drive home to sleep, and return the second day; that takes motivation! I had always toyed with this idea, and realizing that at some point he may no longer do this event I thought "why not?". My reasoning was "My dad rides this every year, it can't be all that challenging...."

I am here to tell you that I was DEAD WRONG! The first day's ride was 57 miles, and to say hilly is quite an understatement. Over the course of the day, you drudge up several hills, some of which are a 24% incline and others that are 1.4 miles long, and a total climb of 5202 feet. And the rain on the first half day didn't make matters any easier. The last 10 miles of that day were as mentally challenging as a full marathon and I actually caught myself considering not beginning the second day (which if you know me, you would know that would never happen...but the thought did enter my mind!). I kept catching myself thinking "I can't believe my dad does this every year...and loves it!". But alas, we all survived, and hobbled to our hotel and had a well deserved (and large) meal.

As I was getting dressed for the second day, I was dreading putting my butt on that bike seat...again, quite literally and although the ride was 14 miles shorter, I was prepared for it to be equally as difficult. Although it was also quite a challenge, the second day was amazing! It was gorgeous weather which helped enhance the beautiful scenery, and the total climb was not nearly as hard at 3535 feet. As the miles clicked away, strangely enough, I found myself not wanting it to be over! I went from slightly regretting my attendance to looking forward to next year!

There were a few things that really stuck out in my mind over the course of the two days. First, this isn't a race; it is a tour. You see people of all ages, some as young as five and into their seventies and eighties. People of all shapes, sizes and abilities. Bikes of all kinds were represented. People looking out for one another, regardless if they were a complete stranger. In fact, my sister's chain broke on an uphill, and immediately two bikers with repair equipment stopped to fix it. Riders chatting with each other on the break areas and bonding over those killer hills. And just that feeling of camaraderie in taking pride that this large group of cyclists from all walks of life are doing this challenge together. It is truly a priceless feeling!

Lastly, I had an amazing time with my family and truly a new appreciation for my father (who of course strolled into my Sculpt class the next day unfazed). He plays tennis and rides his bike hours a week, skis in Colorado every year, and takes our classes twice a week (oh yeah, my mom does too:). He lives more actively that most people at my, or any age for that matter. SO, the take away for this issue is multi-fold: Get out of that box, and if at first you don't enjoy it, keep pushing yourself and you may be pleasantly surprised. And, don't use age as an excuse not to do something whether it be physical or otherwise. If you keep telling yourself you are old....well, regardless of your age - you are.