Well . . . it's here. The Terrible Two! A 200 mile Tour de Sonoma County with 16,000 feet of climbing on grades reaching 18%. Tomorrow, as I line up to start, I know I will be embarking on what may be the toughest cycling adventure in my lifetime. Am I ready? Check with me on Sunday.
A couple of days ago my coach, Tim, asked me if I enjoyed the experience of getting ready and it got me thinking. Did I? For the most part the answer is yes. It was interesting working with Tim as a coach and not just a cycling buddy. I enjoyed following a weekly plan. I enjoyed seeing the improvement. I enjoyed the comments and support from the group as those who shall remain nameless took turns bailing and leaving me on my own. I really, really enjoyed the ride where I finally realized I could do this.
However, to be honest, I could have done without the long solo rides. Both my 135 and 140 mile rides were solo and I got bored as hell. Apparently, I am not that interesting to talk to for 10+ hours straight.
What was really interesting was the emotions I went through as I trained. At first, when Pat, David and Sarah (apparently they will be named) suggested the TT, I thought "that would be cool". As the training began and I realized I would be doing this on my own, my emotions shifted to "everyone else bailed, so what have you got to prove" but I kept riding. The hardest period was doubt. During much of March and April I was seriously doubting my ability to do this ride. Still, I kept riding. And then came the confidence. That feeling of I can do this. That's where I have been for the last 4weeks. Quietly confident I can do the ride but still dreading the thought of 15 hours in the saddle.
So where am I today? I am totally jazzed! I can't wait to get started. The bike is all clean with new tires and brakes and I can tell it's ready to go. I really think tomorrow is going to be a great day regardless of the outcome.
I look forward to telling everyone how it went. Just don't look for a posting on Sunday.
Lee
