Sunflowers & Stitches Part III: Finish What You Start

Yesterday, I completed a ride that I had attempted three weeks earlier. My 50-mile charity ride was cut short at mile 36 due to a slo-mo fall. On my way to Urgent Care that day, I was already planning on my second attempt. However, the week prior to this second attempt, I found myself asking, “ Why am I so insistent on finishing? What am I trying to prove?”

My answer: “I need to finish what I start.” AMEN. I am so glad I did, too.

And so, I invited others to join me on my second attempt to finish our intended 50-mile ride. My husband Rob and friend Mandi said, “yes.”

Knowing that this ride was more symbolic than anything, I felt no need to start at the beginning. Our friend and teammate Mike drove us to Devine Place in Milford, where I took my fall. We took a quick picture by the ironic stop sign with me in my “unstoppable” Closer to Free team jersey, and we were on our way.

Since Mandi had already completed the ride with the rest of our team three weeks earlier, she was our leader. She led us through Milford, West Haven, New Haven, and finally, Hamden. The Connecticut Coastline did not disappoint, and that is saying a lot from this Rhode Island Girl (I am kind of a snob when it comes to beaches).

Picking up where we left off.

As we rode, Mandi pointed out public landmarks like “Sandy Point Beach” in West Haven and the new “Canal Dock Boathouse” in New Haven, but she also pointed out very personal ones, too. She said things like “this is where I was then I heard that you had fallen,” and “this is where we were when we found out that you were at Urgent Care. We all said, ‘onto Urgent Care!’ ”. We had our own personal tour of the Connecticut Coastline on bikes.

All roads lead to the beach.

We rode on quiet streets, busy streets, sandy paths, boardwalk, and even gritty trails. I was super cautious because I didn’t want to get hurt; I mean, how ironic would that be?

After 14 scenic miles (a short training ride for us), we made it to our destination, Legal Grounds Coffee Shop in Hamden, CT. Our team captain, Teresa Fields is the owner of the shop. It is cozy, warm, and always has lovely regulars reading and catching up on the latest local and global news. Picture “Cheers,” but with coffee.

So it was there we completed our ride. The day was sunny, breezy, and accident-free. I got to spend time with some awesome people exploring my beautiful state, and I got to finish what I started: a 50-mile charity ride that started as a ride but gave birth to so much more.

Pierce & Assistant Fire Chief Begley

In total, we raised 786 dollars: $355 for Pierce’s EMT training and $431 to be donated to Smilow Cancer Hospital in the name of Kaycie Begley.

I will be sure to keep you all updated on Pierce the EMT’s training, and we hope to send a card out to Assistant Fire Chief Begley of Milford.

HUGE thanks to all who donated!

So now what?

Winter hikes, a spring fundraiser (our team hopes to perform at Best Video), winter hiking, and more rides.

That is all for now.

Be well, and keep your eyes and hearts open to the new possibilities life has in store for you!

Much love,

Julie

About Julie

Julie Bailis is a public speaker, retreat leader, wellness writer, and owner of Mountain View Wellness LLC. Through Mountain View Wellness, Julie creates in-person and virtual wellness programs that help her clients create and sustain healthy lifestyles using weight training, HIIT (high-intensity interval training), yoga, and meditation.

Julie’s programs empower her clients physically, mentally, and emotionally. Whether your goals are to improve posture, increase balance, or land your first pull-up, Julie can help you.

You can train with Julie in one-on-one and small group classes in North Haven, CT. She also offers weekly live HIIT zoom classes, and you can also learn with her virtually through her online wellness programs (Meditation for Beginners, 21-Day Whole Health & Wellness Program, 14-Day Core Program)
Julie is also available for public speaking events, workshops, and seminars.
Email Julie at julie@mvwct.com for more information on specialty programs.