I just wanted to update you guys on what's been going on with my life. Its the summer time, and the sun couldn't shine any harder in Texas, for it seems to be a pretty sweaty one. During this time I am enrolled for a summer course at ACC taking biology. I'm half way done and its been really exciting, actually not really. Other than that, I wanted to discuss with you guys my new chapter in my life, cycling. Before I got sick, my Bike and I were really close. We would biked 10 blocks to school everyday(never once took the bus or my car), go to my friends in west campus, go to HEB, go to epoch coffee to study, and any other place our peddles would take us. But once I got sick, and went through the whole realization that I would have my legs amputated, my hope to ever ride again, was gone.
But since then, I have met pretty incredible people that have motivated me and inspired me to get back up on that bike, and told me that it was possible to ride again. My first bike enthusiast was Bob Whitford, aka 1 armed Bob. I met him as my occupational therapist in out patient rehab. He is a para olympian in cycling, and is a very handy man. The next enthusiast was my prostitist(leg conformist), Aaron Foreman, he is a completely abled body but rides road bikes all over austin and does marathons all over the country and more! Aaron has just finished up my swim legs, but his next big project are my cycling legs which I am is so excited to have. Enthusiast #3 is Carlos Garcia. Carlos had cancer in his leg, and faced an above knee leg amputation a few years ago. Carlos is only older than me by a few years, and just graduated from St. ed's in kinesiology and is going to prosthetic school to eventually join Aaron and his prosthetic company. It was really exciting to meet Carlos, because not only is he very similar in age and that we both faced amputations, but he is also riding his bike again. Carlos is also apart of the livestrong team, and rides for them a lot. Okay, there are 3 more people to introduce! #4 is Chris Carter. Carter is from the bike sports shop off S Lamar, and is willing to donate a bike to me!!! maybe not fully, but still, I will be getting a great discount. I just met Carter a few weeks ago, but I can tell that its only the beginning. He plans to help me and making my bike 100% Jamie adaptable, for we are looking at different brakes, and shifters, and peddles that are accessible for me to use. Did I mention my bike is red? It's beautiful. I haven't brought it home with me yet, but I cant wait. Person #5 is Greg Lanier. Greg is a patient of Aaron's as well, for he has been a below the knee amputee for many years but rides his bike all the time. Aaron, Greg, and Carlos all ride together from time to time, and I cant wait to join them for future rides. Okay the last person is Sean Ahmadi, and he is my trainer. Sean is going to help me strengthen my core and legs for my future in cycling. I have only worked out with him once, but I hope to keep training for a long time.
Okay, you have now met my six people Bob, Aaron, Carlos, Greg, Carter, and Sean. Seems like an awesome beyond awesome team that I got behind me. I cant wait for my future to unfold. I know in October there is a livestrong challenge, and I think that that will be my goal. I heard you can do any amount of miles you want, which sounds good to me.
Okay thats about it, when it comes to updating on my new chapter in my life. Other than that, stay tuned.
