Two Wheel Blogs

Words like torture and suicide come to mind as I ascended each climb.

My upper body flailed the bike side to side in effort to produce a little more power. My legs thrashed as if to push my head above the water's surface to gain one last breath. My feet stabbed at the pedals as if trying to gain solid ground to loosen the noose around my neck...even if only for a second. I struggled to breath as every muscle ached.

I knew the effort was going to be a failure, but I was clinging to the idea as if it were a mortal struggle. I am not sure why the effort was so difficult, or why I was so committed to the idea, but something inside was pushing me on as if it knew there was something better on the other side.

I ascended the 8th climb on Nine Hills Road and began the long descent into the 9th climb (which is an absolute beast) when it happened.

I had a sharp blade in my back pocket. This broad axe cut the heavy blanket that was suffocating me. Jimi Hendrix's Star Spangled Banner began to wail through my headphones. Images of the historical strugles filled my mind (freedom, war, protest, bloodshed, etc.)...then there was my menial struggle.

I actually sat up and put my arms out spread eagle and screamed with joy in much the same way a champion might as they cross the line for a major victory (in hindsite, I am glad that is a remote area and no one was around to see this). My head was swimming with visions of triumph, joy, and power! I attacked the 9th hill vigorously without struggle. Somehow I had pushed through the darkness and into the light.

Perhaps it is just a little extra passion as I look forward to the upcoming celebration of Independence Day. May be I actually pushed through whatever it was that has been holding me back for the past few days (every ride has felt like torture lately). Then again, it may have just been that today was a bit cooler than it has been. Either way, it was a great ride that has given me inspiration for the future when I really needed it!