It was too cold to ride this morning, I told myself. So instead of riding while Sal was at the groomer, I headed out to a familiar coffee shop near the Catalina Highway.
This is where I insert the phrase “…behold the power of random conversation.”
After parking myself at a table near the back and unpacking, I settled in with my cup of coffee. As I wrote and read I overheard cycling talk from the table of women next to me. I broke the ice by asking about their branded mugs: “Homestretch Foundation.”
I soon learned that this 501(c)(3) provides training and support to Olympic-class athletes. These female cyclists come from all over world to be given the support denied to them because of their gender. Free housing and training during the winter months. The coffee shop ( LeBuzz) is at the beginning of the Catalina Highway, the start of many a ride up to the summit of Mount Lemmon.
As a recovering cyclist, I was soon immersed in conversation with these young women. Talk of gravel, road and enduro bikes, RAGBRAI and Mount Lemmon ensued. I pulled up a chair and one took a selfie of the group including me!
It is encounters like this that make going for a cup of coffee worth it. Besides getting out and clearing your mind, you undoubtedly meet people and share a few moments of interesting conversation. I was proud of myself this day as I had done this without my short, blonde door opener (she had a spa day).
Afterwards, I had an email exchange with the director of the organization. And an invitation to ride with them on Friday morning. I’ll let you know how that goes.
Relentless
