Monday, February 13, 2012

Lappo

Is all mine. Yep you heard me right. That big old scary hill and I have become acquaintances - FINALLY. I don't think we will ever become real friends because I know that everytime I will get to the bottom - IT will do everything in it's power to defeat me. 

Wednesday morning I joined the group again. Paul came along too to help me tackle that nasty hill at the end. As usual because I felt good I took off like a bull at a gate. And tackled the beginning of the Greendale hills with much gusto. But as I approached the hill that runs up past the dairy my usual flop happened and I dropped to the back of the line very very quickly indeed.

I really should learn to not smash myself early.

And things only got worse as I hit Chain-o-Ponds. But you got to give it to me, I'm a persistent little bugger. I get moving those legs over as slowly as it was - they helped me up the hills and before to long I was back in the comforting arms of my Northern road and the pack. Thanks for all your encouraging words everyone.

As we made our way back onto the M4 I remember saying to Paul that I was nervous. What happens if I have to stop? What happens if I can't make it? Jen, Trish, Paul and Nikki were heading up Lappo to help me. I couldn't let them down or me for that matter. So as I started rounding the corner and my gears started shifting to the smallest they could possibly go I whispered to myself "This is it. Whatever you do. Keep those legs moving and don't stop". Easier said then done. 

As I made my way through that first little bitey bit and crossed over Lapstone's exit - I had to stop at the first little emergency stopping bay. After all I was facing an EMERGENCY - my heart was about to propel itself out my mouth and my legs were going into meltdown. All I wanted was a few seconds to breathe, and that's just what I did. Jen stopped with me and then followed me the rest of the way up the hill until we caught up with the rest.

Believe me I was happy to see everyone at the end of that hill. But practice makes perfect right? The rest of the way home was great - even though it absolutely teemed down on us as we made our way back down Mitchell's Pass. I know it's dangerous and all but I was having a blast. And there was really only one way to finish off such a fantastic difficult ride and that was with a great cuppa. Nothing tastes better and it surely cures all ills.

I will continue to meet Lapstone on a weekly basis. It won't finish me off - that I promise you.

Your hard work will be rewarded.

"The path to a dream is paved with sacrifices and lined with determination. And though it has many stumbling blocks along the way, and may go in more than one direction, it is travelled by belief and courage and conquered with a willingness to face challenges and take chances" Barbara Cage