Page 3 - Chehalis Tribal Newsletter - July 2019

3

Cyclist challenges herself in STP bike ride

Dedicated tribal shoulders and facing 90-degree

member Sheilah Bray heat, she completed her first
attempt at the STP.
has made long-distance She was proud of her
journey a tradition accomplishment, with thoughts of
never having to do the ride again.
Sheilah Bray rode in the On the road again
2019 Seattle to Portland (STP), She called her sister, Selena,
challenging herself in the on the car ride home. She said
Northwest region’s event for the she wanted to ride with her the
seventh time. following year (2008). Bray wasn’t
She was inspired to participate in the clear from attempting
in her first ride in 2007 by her the STP again. She participated
brother, Charles Latch. She in 2008, 2009, 2010. She told
explained she has learned a lot everybody 2010 would be her last
about what it takes to complete time riding in the event.
the enduring journey since her In 2017, family members
first ride. expressed interest in the enduring
She familarized herself with journey. Her brothers and
the route and what type of bicycle nephews helped spark the interest
is most suitable to complete the again and Bray entered the 2017
challenge. The first time she rode STP.
in the STP, her sister, Selena, let She explained that in 2018
her borrow a bicycle, gear and her brother, Kevin, approached
other necessities to participate. her with strong intentions of
Admittedly, she was unaware attempting the ride. At dinner,
of essentials needed for the Kevin told her, “I’m signing us up
performance, such as a water for the STP.”
canteen, lock-in shoes, bike shorts She committed somewhat
and a suitable bike. unwillingly to take the ride with
Over the finish line Kevin last year, which was 205 Siblings Sheilah and Kevin Bray capture a memory during this year’s
miles. Kevin came really close to
Seattle to Portland ride before kicking off the 207-mile endurance trip.
She didn’t tell many people completing, but told himself he
about attempting the more would reach the finish line the Overcoming difficulties makes a huge difference,” Bray said.
than 200-mile ride because she following year. After learning from prior
didn’t want to create any high Therefore, she decided to brave In addition to a lack of training experiences, she purchased what
expectations. She said she took a the ride again this year. The route and preparation, Bray said the is referred to as a “century bicycle,”
brief break after riding for a few becomes slightly longer each summer heat causes difficulties one intended for 100-mile rides.
hours beyond Longview. year, and the most recent was a and is something riders don’t The bicycle she made the 2019
She asked a fellow STP whopping 207 miles. always anticipate. The hardest ride on was a Felt brand.
participant how far they had to Along with the gratitude of part of the ride for her is climbing She wants to let community
go. He told her that they were only reaching the finish line, Bray’s the mile-long hill in the city of members know that if anyone
25 miles from the finish line. favorite part is biking through Puyallup. is thinking about attempting
“That’s when I realized, I’m Joint Base Lewis-McChord “It feels like it’s straight up,” the STP, she would be happy
going to finish,” Bray said. because of the open road and Bray described. to provide advice and general
With blisters on her hands and beautiful scenery. “The type of bike you’re riding guidelines.

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