Your Story; MaryAnne Lepinskie

On October 13th, 2012, the impossible occurred.  More accurately, what was once a dream became reality.  On that cool, sunny autumn day, MaryAnne Lepinskie rode her first Century.  And while one-hundred kilometres is a significant distance to ride, the road there was longer-still.

In the early 1990’s, MaryAnne and her future ex-husband purchased bicycles while dating.  It was clear, however, that his passion was not her’s.  In fact, it would take nearly twenty years and two major back surgeries before MA would discover her inner-cyclist.  It also took a lot of booze.

During this time, alcohol came to dominate MaryAnne’s life; whether laughing it up at the bar or “in my living-room drinking myself into oblivion after putting Natalie to bed.”  Her daughter’s fears ignored and her family’s offers of help refused, MaryAnne also knew the church would provide no salvation.  What it took, was Alcoholics Anonymous.

Not until 2002 and after plenty of Diet Pepsi [always in a can] would MaryAnne finally discover what it truly meant to be physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually sober.  And real sobriety, not just abstinence.

When I met MaryAnne in February 2012, she was ten years sober.  That said, she still smoked cigarettes and ate poorly; she never exercised and continued to suffer the legacy of those back surgeries.  Within a couple of months, however, she’d stopped smoking, was improving her diet and had even began making noises about wanting to get back on the bike.  That was my queue; I contacted Kt at the Bloomfield Bicycle Co., impressing the urgency of getting a bicycle for MaryAnne.  To continue along her path, MA would need two wheels and a pair of drop-bars!

On a sunny May weekend, we drove to Prince Edward County on the shores of Lake Ontario.  There, a brand-new Jamis road-bike had been ordered and assembled, awaiting only its owner to arrive.  On May 20th, 2012, MaryAnne and Grace enjoyed their maiden voyage together.  The change in MaryAnne’s disposition was palpable, the shine in her eyes unmistakable, the broad smile across her face joyous and genuine.  The woman I’d met just a few months earlier had been further transformed into the beautiful soul she’d lost so long ago.

Back in Burlington, MaryAnne began riding several times a week.  She started to purchase new fashionable cycling kit while talking hydration and gearing.  She soon joined the Oakville Cycling Club, meeting fellow cyclists and making new friends.  She practised fixing a flat tire while setting goals for the summer.  At some point our friend Peter suggested she strive to ride 100 kilometres.  In response, MaryAnne nearly fell off her ergonomic saddle.  Barely eking out forty kms, riding one hundred was akin to suggesting a full amputee ought climb Mt. Everest.  Though she scoffed, I knew it had to happen…and would.  After-all, cycling has more to do with spirit than it does strength.  And MaryAnne has plenty of spirit!

Saturday, October 13th, 2012 the Ride for Refuge was being held.  A nation-wide fundraiser for charities working to combat the sickening horror of human-trafficking, the local event included a 45 km long-course.  MA had been training hard and two weeks prior had completed her longest ride to date; 85 kms.  We talked about the coming Ride for Refuge and her personal commitment to riding 100 kms.

That morning around 9 am we rolled out of the community centre parking-lot feeling strong and motivated.  Completing the 45km course in just under two hours, we stopped for 15 minutes to refuel.  While others were setting out for home, MaryAnne was just gettin’ started.  Riding the course a second time we added an extra 10 kms to ensure we’d reach Everest’s summit.  In under 4.5 hours and with energy to spare she had achieved the impossible.  MaryAnne, who six months earlier was an inactive smoker laughing at the thought of ever riding a bicycle, had just cycled 100 kilometres!  She was elated, rightfully proud of such an achievement.

Today MaryAnne lives with renewed purpose, with renewed vigor.  She’s setting cycling goals for 2013 and has assumed a leadership role with the Oakville Cycling Club.  She continues to eat well and is less dependent on those cans of Diet Pepsi.  While life continues to present obstacles, MaryAnne simply rides over them like cracks in the asphalt.

As she taught me, with time, willingness and effort, anything in life is possible.  And while she likes to thank me for getting her back on the bike, it is I who am thankful for the lessons she has taught me about struggle, achievement and love.

Now to get Natalie on a bike!

Nathalie and mother MaryAnne, just prior to start time.

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MA well into her 1st Century and still feeling strong!

Two very proud friends after a successful 100km ride!