Took my first real hill today and 'whupped' is an understatement. I was not in a good physical place to start, having not slept well and having a mediocre work day but I figured there would be no ideal situation ever. My mind was made up when I saw the wind was low, so I geared up and headed up.
Before I got started, I got the Camelbak working (win) but the new rearview mirror wouldn't stay in place (fail on me) and I broke the cheap bike bag (fail on them). I disregarded these omens and hit the road, Jack.
(A small detour: I believe in omens but only when they fit my plans.)
I made it to the hill and knew I was in trouble right away because I had no legs after a minute. I'd pedal a couple of hundred feet, stop to catch my breath, and repeated that three times (I think) as I snaked the front wheel upwards. I got to the top eventually but any ideas about going further were dead on arrival.
The descent was far tougher the ascent because the low winds changed to high winds in front of a fast-moving cold front (lots of lightning and thunder as I write this). Big gusts are no joke on a light bike and I tested those disc brakes almost all of the way home.
I sit here now, looking at the Advil, and forcing my eyes to stay open for another hour. I'm trying to think if I had any "stream of consciousness" moments but all I remember is the fear and happiness of staying in the saddle in the wind.
Word of the ride: relieved.
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