Uh oh, how did that happen? It must be a fluke or the real fast guys weren't trying, but I'll take it any way I can get it. What am I talking about? I was with the usual Thursday B group and some of the studs sat in because there wasn't enough fast guys to make an A group. So any way we were going the normal 18 to 20 warm up pace, you know when everyone is getting lose, getting the lungs and blood going, that kind of stuff. Then about 5 miles into it you feel the group just clicks and finds the next gear and your moving at 22mph. It's a thing of beauty when that happens and you feel it and your part of it.
So on the way to the mid point where we turn to head back, it was really heating up. On the way back the sprinters started to lag and hold the group back, you know stall. So for a couple of miles I put up with this knowing full well that when there's only 2 mile to go these guys are going to sprint their guts out and I will be there in the darkness by myself. So I said screw it, kinda like Cadel Evens did at the worlds and just went for it. With about 4 miles before the parking lot or finish which ever you want to call it, I just went for it. No I didn't get out of the saddle or do some heroic stuff like the pros, I just took a deep breath and pedaled my heart and soul out. YEP, I did what most underdogs do when they aren't sure that they can get it done in the last mile, they go out on a solo break and hope the sprinters think they can real him in before the finish.

Fate is a fickle mistress though. My break away was to my advantage and even if it were a non -event to the studs. To me it was the challenge that , in my minds eye, Cadel faced. So I kept my head down, my cadence at 85, my hr at 161 and just looked passed any pain or shortness of breath until it was my mantra to succeed. BAM, I was pulling into the lot when the others were just crossing the adjoining street. Did I win? Maybe not by anyone else's standards but mine I did.That's when I realized the next step was already accomplished in my gut. My determination was now growing with my power and skill. I LOVE THIS SPORT. I hope I can pass it on to someone else.
If I pass you on the road stop at Peets, because your buying,
Soul & Heart...that's what it takes!
ReplyDelete