Crazy.

Last week, I rode part of the Trace in Nashville. This weekend, I’m doing it again but on the other side. The Handy Ride starts in Florence, Ala., and if riding the full 100 miles, passes through three states — Alabama, Tennessee and Mississippi. It catches the Natchez Trace about 15 or so miles into the ride heading South. My neighbor, David, suggested we tackle it and since I’m a glutton for punishment, I agreed. (Well, that and he sweetened the deal by offering to let me drive his Jeep Wrangler to Florence. Yes, please.)

I kid about the punishment though, sort of. It’s training, and I realize that. It hurts in the moment but when September arrives, I’ll be more prepared and it will hurt less.

It’s funny though, how cycling changes your mindset. Anything I do these days, cycling is in the back of my brain. I check the weather first thing in the mornings to see if I can fit in a ride. When I make evening plans, I consider my other days so I can have at least one ride during the week. Driving, I see roads as possible routes. Are there any climbs? Is traffic too heavy? Is there an adequate shoulder?

The worst change of all? Hills. I’ve hated them for the three years I’ve been cycling. Jeff once told me he loved hills, which resulted in my calling him crazy. I like the guy, but I meant it. Then one day, my friend Matt said the same thing. So I called him crazy as well. I meant that, too.

Somewhere along the way, something shifted. While I wouldn’t go as far as to say I “love” hills, I am searching them out more than I’ve ever done before. I go looking for them in my car as I scout new routes. Anytime I find a decent climb, I think to myself “Oooh, this could be fun.” ‘

Look who’s crazy now?

I know they make me a better cyclist, so I do it. I also know they’ll make me stronger and faster and better. But I still hate them, even if I do go looking for them, even if I have to stop and catch my breath sometimes, even if they make me crazy.

Please don’t let my crazy hill-climbing be in vain. Support me financially because, A) it helps me and you like helping me, B) it’s tax-deductible and C) your money goes toward research to find a cure and better therapeutics for type 1 diabetes.

Editor’s note: I may be crazy by my own volition, but I’m not as insane as Jeff. Please take a moment to read  his latest adventure. Eighty miles including a straight 12-mile climb, an accident and a hike afterward. The man is completely awesome.