I needed to add these women to my AMAZING GROUP along with my CROSS CONTRY FRINDS.  We finished our ride 10/23 & I’ve been on the bike twice. Unless Mary Ruth calls, my bike sits waiting for the next adventure. We met because of a common interest in TRIATHLONS & wanting to be active-THEM more than ME.

MARY RUTH COREY (70 yrs young) 1ST TRI at 53 (I was 50). Running is her 1st love!! (I’ve really never liked running) Started running at 43 w/3 kids at home & teaching school (Had 2 kids-taught also-played tennis). Did her 1st Capital of TX 10K in 1981 & competed in 34 since then-along with 4 MARATHONS & 20-25 1/2 Marathons (and placed more often than not) She has run races w/all her boys. She even ran & got to carry the OLYMPIC torch on its way to Salt Lake City. Did I mention that she has done 25 triathlons? She said that her dad still exercises at 95 & is the reason we got to bike to DeRidder. Maybe we can bike there again for his 96th.

KAREN WILCOX (64) Has scoliosis from childhood (which does not define her) & wants to make it very clear she is NOT an ATHLETE. She is a wife, mother & proud grandmother who reads, cross stitches (even on bike trips) & is a physical therapist specializing in wound care. Competed in 1st tri at 38-participated in over 50 triathlons, lots of 5 & 10K’s & 1/2 marathon. At times she is on the podium, not important-likes camaraderie & festive atmosphere on race day. Her reason to bike to DeRidder-a lifetime opportunity to make memories & be with friends. The NON-ATHELETE has competed in 7 TRI-s so far this yr-ME, NONE! She has chosen a much more active lifestyle than me.

KORY SOETAERT- (56) is a massage therapist.  Her husband is an avid racer real biker person. When her 3 boys were older, she started walking w/a neighbor who talked her into running. She liked it & at age 40 decided to run a marathon. 3 days before the race, she had a torn meniscus & had surgery on both knees. Her recovery started her on a path to competing in triathlons. We met at Decker Lake where Armand & I were training women for the DANSKIN for FREE-she could join for that price. She continued to compete in 1/2 marathons & did an Olympic distance TRI. She ran the Gusher MARATHON in 2013 & finished 2nd in her age group. Before our ride to DeRidder, her longest trip had been the 2 day 160 mile Tour De Cure.

All I can add is what an honor for me to know & be friends with them and HOPE they will continue to CALL to get me out of the house. Armand is still talking about trying to do the East Coast next year-he wants me out of the house too.