Is all mine. Yep you heard me right. That big old scary hill and I have become acquaintances - FINALLY. I don't think we will ever become real friends because I know that everytime I will get to the bottom - IT will do everything in it's power to defeat me.
Wednesday morning I joined the group again. Paul came along too to help me tackle that nasty hill at the end. As usual because I felt good I took off like a bull at a gate. And tackled the beginning of the Greendale hills with much gusto. But as I approached the hill that runs up past the dairy my usual flop happened and I dropped to the back of the line very very quickly indeed.
I really should learn to not smash myself early.
And things only got worse as I hit Chain-o-Ponds. But you got to give it to me, I'm a persistent little bugger. I get moving those legs over as slowly as it was - they helped me up the hills and before to long I was back in the comforting arms of my Northern road and the pack. Thanks for all your encouraging words everyone.
As we made our way back onto the M4 I remember saying to Paul that I was nervous. What happens if I have to stop? What happens if I can't make it? Jen, Trish, Paul and Nikki were heading up Lappo to help me. I couldn't let them down or me for that matter. So as I started rounding the corner and my gears started shifting to the smallest they could possibly go I whispered to myself "This is it. Whatever you do. Keep those legs moving and don't stop". Easier said then done.
As I made my way through that first little bitey bit and crossed over Lapstone's exit - I had to stop at the first little emergency stopping bay. After all I was facing an EMERGENCY - my heart was about to propel itself out my mouth and my legs were going into meltdown. All I wanted was a few seconds to breathe, and that's just what I did. Jen stopped with me and then followed me the rest of the way up the hill until we caught up with the rest.
Believe me I was happy to see everyone at the end of that hill. But practice makes perfect right? The rest of the way home was great - even though it absolutely teemed down on us as we made our way back down Mitchell's Pass. I know it's dangerous and all but I was having a blast. And there was really only one way to finish off such a fantastic difficult ride and that was with a great cuppa. Nothing tastes better and it surely cures all ills.
I will continue to meet Lapstone on a weekly basis. It won't finish me off - that I promise you.
