Woman bikes for others' breath of life

When you learn that Marcia Montalbano is 67 and has asthma, it's surprising to find out that a short bicycle ride for her is 20 miles through Guilderland, Voorheesville and the hills of Altamont.

"I start with 20 miles, which is not very much," Mrs. Montalbano said. "Once a year, I like to do a century [100 miles], which is up to Lake George."

But this summer, the parishioner of Christ the King Church in Guilderland will go on the ride of her life. She will be one of 1,000 bicycle riders cycling 3,000 miles in the Big Ride Across America to raise money for the American Lung Association (ALA). The trip will take her from Seattle, Washington, to Washington, D.C.

Prayer power

Besides bananas and carbohydrates, this retired Catholic school teacher and grandmother relies on the power she gains from prayer to keep her going.

"When I'm going up hills, I think, `How many Hail Mary's will it take to get to the top?'" she said. "I enjoy biking. It gives me time to meditate. I do a lot of praying."

Her faith is with her in both the hills and valleys, through rain and sun. "All things are possible," she said. "I do a lot of praying while biking. On beautiful days, I look up and say, `My help is in the Lord.' And then there are the Hail Mary's going uphill."

Commitment

While she is an enthusiastic rider, there are times when Mrs. Montalbano questions her life as an athlete.

"I did a ride from Lake George to Saratoga," she said. "I was going into the wind, and I thought: `What on earth am I doing?' That was a tough ride. When you get tired, you think, `I must be crazy.' It's not fun biking in the rain."

Many of the rides that Mrs. Montalbano participates in raise money for the ALA. For example, she's ridden across Iowa four times and biked through Vermont. The upcoming trip is the first cross-country ride she will participate in. Knowing she is helping others makes the treks easier.

"Knowing you're doing it for someone else helps," she said. "God works through others."

Lung power

Mrs. Montalbano's relationship with the ALA and her passion for bike-riding are closely linked. She began riding eight years ago when her husband Gene and son encouraged her to join them on their bike treks. At the same time, however, she developed a cough.

She soon learned that she had asthma. Four medications help her keep it under control. The Albany area is a particularly challenging place to live for people with asthma, she said, because it is a valley that traps irritants. She has noticed that certain times of year -- including autumn -- are more difficult for her. Mold is also a trigger.

According to the American Lung Association, asthma rates are on the rise in the United States. They have increased in every age group in recent years. An estimated 14.5 million Americans struggle with asthma, including five million children under the age of 18.

Pressing on

Mrs. Montalbano's reason for participating in the cross-country ride is simple: "I want to let people know it is possible to exercise with these ailments. You can do it; try it. There is no such thing as 'I can't.'"

Still, the decision to participate came slowly, reports her husband. "My first reaction was 'Let's think about this,'" he said. "Her first reaction was `I can't do this.' It's not just the money; it's the rigorous training. It's a commitment."

That commitment includes working out regularly. Gold's Gym gave her free membership to help her train for her trip. "I go three times a week and work out on the cardio-vascular machines and get on a stationary bike," she said.

As the weather becomes nicer, she will begin riding outdoors for longer and longer distances. She expects to ride about 70 miles a day during the Big Ride. While training can be grueling, she enjoys it. "There are days when I should be cleaning my house," she said. "But I love it."

Together trip

Her husband will travel with her and serve as a crew member. Recent heart surgery has sidelined him from riding in the event, but he has trained with his wife. "I don't like her to do it alone," he said.

Although the couple always wanted to travel cross-country, the ride won't be a vacation. Not only will Mrs. Montalbano ride 70 miles a day, but they will also be camping out at night.

"We'll be in bed at 9 p.m. and will start riding at 6:30 a.m. I like to get half way before lunch," she said. There will be one day where they won't ride so far. "One day is only 40 miles," she said, "but it's 40 miles through the Rockies."

Chipping in

Besides being a challenge and an opportunity to see the country, Mrs. Montalbano has found another benefit to participating in this trip. "People have been so nice," she said.

Local businesses have been helpful as she tries to raise the $6,000 necessary to participate in the trip. All proceeds will stay with the American Lung Association of Northeastern New York, based in Albany. Also helping to raise money were the Knights of Columbus at Christ the King, who hosted a recent pancake breakfast.

Mrs. Montalbano hopes that she can inspire other people to exercise. "This is the most athletic I've been," she said. "I was born with back problems, and I thought I was limited. Then when I was raising children, who had time? I never thought I'd be able to do something like this, but I never want to be stagnant."

(To support Marcia Montalbano on her ride, call the American Lung Association of Northeastern New York at 459-4197. Mention her name and her rider number -- 1228.)

(03-26-98) [[In-content Ad]]