Sandi Rushing

Camping "newbie" at the age of 52

Pre-cycling: 10 yrs ago, with midlife approaching and my butt expanding at an alarming rate, I decided to get on the old bike and try to ride around the block. It was a Schwinn mountain bike complete with rusty chain and petrified tires that had sat untouched in the garage for over a decade.  Once around the block was all I could do.  My motivation to get healthy was two-fold. One, I needed to lose a LOT of weight (as in 100 pounds) and two, my disabled daughter needed  me to be around for years to come.  So I joined a wellness center that catered to old people in cardiac rehab. No buff bodies to worry about there!  One day, I stumbled into a Spinning class. The rest is history. The instructor was incredibly motivating. He formed a team to ride in the MS 150. So I went out and bought a real bike, a Trek hybrid and started training outside.  I should mention the bike did not fit me. Being a large person I ordered a large bike.  Who knew?  My twin sister and I began participating in area club rides. 

Sandi and Sue . .  or, Sue and Sandi?

No one told us that you could stop whenever you wanted so we completed our first century on ill-fitting hybrids in the pouring rain. It took twelve hours. We were officially claimed at that point by the cycling cult.

Fast forward a couple of years - my daughter was granted a wish by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Guess what she wanted - a bike.  Seeing how she is multiply handicapped this would take some doing. Fortunately we found the perfect tandem bike, custom made in Germany. Now we could ride together. Sarah and I have completed several 2 and 3 day rides.  

Twin sister Sue surprised me 6 years ago with a birthday present - A Cannondale R 1000 Sport,  CAAD5, triple chainring road bike.  We started riding as much possible. It felt like we were flying when we hit alarming speeds of 14 mph.  Then I started doing tours.  Those with hotel options only of course.  But this year, I decided to become brave and try the ultimate adventure - camping and cycling together.

Being the "camping virgin" that I was, I looked for the best services available.  Sister Sue had done many rides with Shuttleguy.  So I signed up on Shuttleguy's 2011 WISPRIDE. Shuttleguy took very good care of me on this, my maiden voyage.  

They didn't laugh at me when I asked if I could bring my inflatable recliner. They didn't scoff at my insisting to keep pepper spray in my tent. They pretended they didn't notice the first time I came out of the tent and tripped landing on my face.  Only a few comments were made about my American Tourister luggage and body pillow.  Rick, our tour director, was the kindest, most gentle, patient, helpful person I have ever met.  Highlights of the tour included wine and cheese tasting parties, a colorful brochure full of interesting historical sites to stop and visit, waterproof tents that did not leak one drop of water during a torrential downpour complete with hail, new friendships, beautifully planned routes, great food!   

I am signing up now for DALMAC UP using Shuttleguy Camping Domestique services.  My first and only!  I want more! 

Oh, and in my spare time I reside in Downers Grove IL and work as an RN.