Doing What You LOVE, With Those You Love - featured writer Amy Boehme

I haven't known Amy for long, but have realized what a talented young mother and athlete she is.  It's amazing to see how far she has come in the sport of cycling.  Thank you for sharing your story with us.

DOING WHAT YOU LOVE, WITH THOSE YOU LOVE - Featured Writer Amy Boehme

My husband Matt got me into riding three years ago, and I enjoyed it as just a recreational pass time. My second year of riding (2009) I was invited by a cousin to do the “Little Red Ride” in Logan, Utah. Little Red is a “charity” ride benefitting Breast Cancer, and is held in the (mostly) flat Cache Valley on the Utah/Idaho border. The first year I did 64 miles, and the last ten just about killed me. I was barely able to pedal into the finish line, and every part of my body hurt and I felt SO sick. I was able to do more riding in 2009, but I was bummed that I felt I did so bad on that ride. I shouldn't have been so hard on myself, as that was my first ride of any significant distance. Later in the summer Matt and I rode in the Heber City Century. We only did 50 miles, so I could get back for a job (I’m a face/body painter).

The hills were many and often! Riding up back side of Jordanelle was a monster, and I did it at only 4 mph. But I did it! After that I realized: “I may be slow but I can do it!” Even if it is only 4 mph... This has become a sort of mantra for my approach to hills. I rode the trainer through the winter (not my favorite pass time) and then did the Little Red again in the Spring of 2010. This time I did the full 100, and when I looked at my time at the 64 mile mark it was 2 hours faster than last year! That was it, I had caught the bug. I love this sport where my biggest competition is against myself!

I love doing a work out that doesn't feel like a work out. I was never interested in sports but biking changed that. I can truly say that my health and musculature have never been better. The part I like best about cycling is being able to do it with my husband. It is so nice to share something you like so much with someone you love. And he is the best wind break ever! I can follow him up a hill at 15 mph instead of my now 6 mph. I like that I can see improvement in my rides, and in a very real manner; Less time for identical rides is usually better! This fall before the snow I was able to do 30 miles in 2 hours and that is an accomplishment I am proud of. I look forward to many, many years of pursuing even better times on my bike!