I nearly didn’t ride this evening. I’m off to the Tour of the South East tomorrow, and the logistics of packing for that, whilst getting kit washed and dried again, and the tempting of fate involved in going for a training ride so close to a big event nearly deterred me. But that felt like bailing… I’d said I would go out and try again and try and get better, so to not do so…? I know, I know, self-imposed discipline, but the imperative was there nonetheless. Which was something I gave a little thought to out there, when I was capable of thought, not lost in a small temporary personal uphill hell 😉 For whatever reason, and possibly related to the way that I don’t deal well with and therefore avoid conflict, I also hate letting people down, or feeling like I am even if they don’t. Even if that people is me! All part of the stubborn that is part of what makes you a cyclist I reckon. It’s part of what drives you on. Otherwise we’d just give in like normal people and go back to the sofa 😉
So I didn’t bail, even though I could have justified doing so. Nope. I went out. And I did it again. I bimbled and sprinted, bimbled and sprinted. I think I did a bit better, or maybe I just didn’t push quite as hard, but I think I did and I seemed to get further up the hills without sitting down again. Who knows? Who cares? Yes, yes, I know, I think we’ve already established that I do 😉
It was a bit earlier in the day, and a bit lighter, but just as beautiful out there. Maybe even more so, with blue skies and white fluffy clouds. I said I’d do it and I did. And even through the hard bits, or maybe because of them and putting them behind me, I enjoyed it. And the Gorge? I nailed it. Even the BMW behind me just backed off and let me get on with enjoying it. And I did. BIG time 😀
Cycling time: 1:21
Distance: 20.9 miles
Avg: 15.4 mph
ODO: 5005.9 miles*
So tomorrow is a rest day. I have to pack for two days of cycling, and life either side, as well as the bike and all the paraphernalia that goes with it. And then, after work, drive for four hours down a multitude of motorways to Gravesend. To prepare, I think I’ll spend this evening painting my fingernails, resting, and rehydrating 😉
Oh, and the Tour of the South East? Something different, somewhere different. I have to admit I’m quite looking forward to it. Two days of playing pretend-pro, complete with a guest speaker (2012 Paralympic Cycling Champion & World Record Holder Mark Colbourne) dinner on the Saturday night. Ooh, get me! To be honest, I’m excited but with a small portion of apprehensive on the side. Wish me luck? :).
*PS: Blimey! Even the “new” bike has now done over 5,000 miles! 🙂