Week Six: The Power of Perseverance
The long-distance rides and ever-changing terrain are taking a toll on her and the other members of the group. However, with two weeks left to go, their perseverance is pushing them to finish strong.
“The days have become longer at this stage of the trip,” says Carol, who has been riding 70 to 80 miles a day through shifting landscapes. “There were two very easy days when the wind was with us, and the roads were flat, and then they were followed by a mountain.”
“There were two very easy days when the wind was with us, and the roads were flat, and then they were followed by a mountain.”
These rides put a tremendous amount of stress on the cyclists’ bodies, leaving them vulnerable to pain and sickness. The group has battled colds, nausea, and leg cramps these last few days especially. Carol’s been using Arnicare Leg Cramps and Arnicare Cream each night to get through this last part of the trek.
“This journey is partly about perseverance, especially now that we are getting closer to the end,” says Carol. “A cross-country trip is hard at any age, but as seniors, we have greater obstacles. We are rising to meet these challenges, and we are persevering!
About Carol
Carol Zemola Garsee is inspiring others to embrace a healthier lifestyle as she bikes cross-country in the adventure of a lifetime. First inspired by her mother who was an avid cyclist, this 77-year-old continues to ride. What started as a necessity to get around Chicago, her love of biking blossomed into long-distance riding. This is Carol’s second cross-country trip. She has also ridden through several states, Italy, and Canada.