"At 54 years of age - not an athlete, never have been - I may be pushing the envelope ... meh, you only live once." ~Steve
Mid-Week Thoughts from the ride in Colorado.
My week is full of personal lessons. Humility, patience, gratitude ... I'm pushing myself harder than ever and yet, I see people older than me and in varying degrees of assumed fitness (my assumption) blowing my efforts away. Hence humility ....
I was by a portable toilet and listened to a conversation between some veteran Ride the Rockies bikers. One was a crusty old woman who was not happy about anything. I said something like "RAGBRAI is a ton of fun" and she said "that's a party ride, this is about endurance*." Then she stomped off in a huff.
I've thought of this for a couple of days. I choose party. I choose fun. Endurance is good and all but I think we have enough of this day to day.
*(For the record, I thought this was like RAGBRAI but Colorado -- there's no pie and no beer stops)
Final Thoughts from the ride in Colorado.
Basically done. Tomorrow is only 28 miles (today was 79 grueling miles on mountain roads and wind -- both head and tail, I prefer tailwinds). My friend Mark who came on the trip had to endure my negativity and slowness and was a real trooper. It's amazing what we are able to do if we rise above our weaknesses and just do it. AND, anyone can do whatever you put your mind to -- if you're slow and sweaty and feel like crying most of the time, that's fine - soon you can shower and smile when it's over. Thanks for reading my posts and thank you for all your words of encouragement, it helped me finish. I may be slow, I may be sweaty and whiney, but doggonnit ... I did it.
Editor's Note: Congratulations Steve on attacking this item on your bucket list! What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
