Mary Ajersch has been a good friend and fellow competitor in the OBC Time Trial Series for more than a decade, and I'm so glad to have her back out in our midst after the extraordinary difficulties which she endured over the past 8 months! She impresses not just with her incredibly fast times but also with her fun-loving enjoyment of the athletic challenge.

A big congratulations, on your first season's best of 2003, Mary!

... Celia

Below is Mary's note, written the day after the 2002 June 3 OBC Women's Time Trial, and printed here with her permission. 

I was overwhelmed by the warm welcome I received from everyone last night.
Thanks everyone for your continued support during these numerous months, and
especially yesterday.
 
I set out to do a TT at a leisurely pace.  But once I was on the bike I
didn't know how to go slow.  It was so natural, as if I never stopped doing
Time Trials.  At the outset, it felt so good with a tailwind, I didn't look
at my speed, I just concentrated on a high cadence. The return, into a
headwind, was more difficult.   It was wonderful to feel normal again, to
have an attainable goal, to have one focus, to feel like an athlete.  Time
trials make me feel so alive.
 
I gave it my everything.  Although my start number was 10, everyone passed
me.  It was reassuring to hear each person encouraging me.  My 32.40 is my
slowest TT ever, but with all that I've been through, I felt as if I won a
gold medal.  The biggest thrill was to hear everyone cheering me on at the
finish line.  I don't get that at the Cancer Clinic.
 
Hard to believe that a month ago, I was out of breath after walking up one
flight of stairs.  On the long weekend I did my first ride at 12-13 kph, and
yesterday I did a TT.  What a thrill!! 
 
The body heals, and miracles happen.  Over the years, I learned the
following:   dwell on the positive, set realistic goals, and savour the
moment.
 
Weather permitting, I'll see you next Tuesday.
 
Bye,
 
Mary Ajersch