I'm riding hard through some pretty technical trails. I'm very tired and I'm about to tackle this last climb back to the trailhead. I furiously start to pedal and realize this is going to be much more difficult than I had expected. By this point I was tired. In my fatigue I failed to map out my way to the top. I just attacked, with whatever I had left, I attacked. The climb is only about 200 ft, but it is steep and littered with large rocks, some planted firmly in the ground, others merely impeding my path. I take one obstacle at a time, pedaling, slightly out of my seat with all of my strength, while fighting to keep the front wheel from being knocked off trail by a barrage of boulders. I am gassed by the time I make it up 3/4 of the climb. At this point, exhastion is a badge I wear with pride because to not be exhausted in this climb means I am walking up this hill, defeated. I ravenously inhale oxygen and release it in fearsome grunts. As I near the end of the trail I see one last obstacle standing in my path, a 2 foot rock ledge. I'm moving at a snails pace, but moving nonetheless...and I'm in the right gear. I throw my body weight backwards and lift the wheel on top of the ledge, I then throw my body forward and drag the rear wheel with me. I slowly spin towards the trailhead marker yelling, "WHOOOO!!" at the top of my lungs.
At the top of the climb I realized that if I had looked at the climb in its entirety (or all that was visible from my vantage point at the time), I would surely have doubted myself and not attempted it with such vigor and determination. Lately, I've been going through a very powerful depression somewhat similar to the climb I experienced. It is daunting, even horrifying at times, but sometimes if I just put my head down, focus on what is right in front of me, and fight like hell, I'll be surprised at what I can accomplish/get through.
As a result, I've been riding a lot more lately and actually have a few more stories that are somewhat similar (although different lessons). I'll post 'em if this served any enjoyment. Thanks! Please post yours, I know they are out there, biking is such a great experience.
At the top of the climb I realized that if I had looked at the climb in its entirety (or all that was visible from my vantage point at the time), I would surely have doubted myself and not attempted it with such vigor and determination. Lately, I've been going through a very powerful depression somewhat similar to the climb I experienced. It is daunting, even horrifying at times, but sometimes if I just put my head down, focus on what is right in front of me, and fight like hell, I'll be surprised at what I can accomplish/get through.
As a result, I've been riding a lot more lately and actually have a few more stories that are somewhat similar (although different lessons). I'll post 'em if this served any enjoyment. Thanks! Please post yours, I know they are out there, biking is such a great experience.
