Looking down

 When I learned to free climb the advice given to me was 'don't look down'. Good advice for a novice and it probably saved a few harsh landings. For those faint of heart looking down  is not a good thing if you want to free climb. You see your out there on your own no matter how many people are on the face with you.  It's just your soul willing your arms and legs to strain past there limits father and father each time until your soul meets the rocks soul.

Each time you approach the rock face you pray for harmony between your self and the rock; you pray for peace in your limbs so you don't shake with adrenalin at the start or quake in frozen fear 40, 50 or 70 or more feet off the ground; you pray your hands are strong and your fingers have 'eyes' to find the smallest of rock lips to hold onto and lastly you pray for a good day, not to conquer the rock but to ascend to it's heights in communion.Cycling is that same anticipation, rush and finality with which I try to be in rhythm with my body, my bike and the road. Sound weird?
Ask a Samurai what his soul is and he will tell you unflinchingly that it's his sword. Ask a free climber he will tell you the rock is his soul and to me it is my bike. This is esoteric I know but why do something that is not satisfying to your soul and if it is, is not your soul wrapped up in the vehicle which you are closest to?
Therefore I say look down, drink in the beauty of this soul-bearing event one moment at a time and you will be the richer for it.
And if you are so fortunate to share this passion with others then 'mores the better'.
When you get to that place of ascension, look well at all you can see around you and savor the heights with those who have fought the good fight to continue"onward", good day or bad, it's all good. Look down and have your soul refreshed.
Always remember: if I pass you on the road stop at Peets, because your buying!