Because my daughter asked me.

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Mother-Daughter Bond Team Bike Across America

Marybeth Bond is the nation's preeminent expert on women travel. She is the award-winning author-editor of 11 books, including the best sellers "50 Best Girlfriend Getaways in North America," "A Woman's World" and "Gutsy Women." Marybeth has hiked, cycled, climbed, dived and kayaked her way through more than seventy countries around the world, from the depths of the Flores Sea to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. She studied in Paris for four years, earned two degrees and had a business career in high-tech marketing.

Because my daughter asked me.

Posted on May 28, 2010

Why?

When JC, my 22-year-old daughter, asked me to bike across America with her and her best friend Laura, I was thrilled and jumped at the chance.

Terror in the night

Many nights I woke up at 3 a.m. and my bravado gave way to fear — of trucks running us down, injuries, arguments and the enormity of the project. Was I up to this? Would I be able to get in shape? I’m in my mid-fifties after all. I haven’t competed in an athletic event for 25 years. After my girls were born I let go of the “athlete” within me.

For several months I didn’t tell anyone and wrestled with the idea in my mind. Finally I shared my thoughts with my husband and he asked, “Are you sure?”

That was six months ago. Today I have a plan and follow the workouts from my trainer. Slowly I've built up my endurance and confidence. I started with slow rides on flat terrain, but now I can pedal 50+ miles a day; day-after- day. My daughters believe I can do it and so does the super guy I married 25 years ago. He’s behind us 100%.

And I have a new identity. I look in the mirror and say, “Hot damn, you’re an athlete.” It feels good to work out, and it feels good to move toward fulfilling my goal. And yes, I’m sleeping through the night. More at www.bondgirlsbikeamerica.com.

We leave in 10 days so I hope we can cover all bases before June 2nd to make this fun and easy.
Best,

MarybethBond