I fully expected to spend most of today in the car. Acceptance that I may be fully out of gas. But, I promised myself that I had to give today’s climbs an effort. The team was here (by the way, the most supportive, diverse and awe-inspiring group of guys you’d ever have the privilege to hang with) and I didn’t want to miss the chance to ride with them.
The weather was cool, a bit foggy and made the effort seem a bit easier – if for nothing else, than it made me feel at ease. Familiar. Call it a longing from my Scotch/Irish roots.
I rode by myself on the first climb of the day. Making sure that I kept my desire to go hard in check. I looked around. I listened. I made sure to drink in the moment. I didn’t see a soul. Except for a crow that seemed to follow me most of the way – either from a distance or perched on a wire. Every time I’d try to take a picture – it would fly away. Leading me further and further.
“Window” by The Album Leaf (https://play.spotify.com/artist/02uPe16VFxPaiueQsPEDkE) to hear what I was listening to.
A couple times, I’ll admit I got a bit emotional. Alone with myself, facing this long, difficult effort made for a special moment that I hope to hold on to for a long time. Never have I felt more alone, yet more free.
Here’s a link to my Strava data. Please be kind:
A Soupçon of Trust 