I’m home! And on my first full weekend in the glory of my mountains, I did what any reasonable person would do…
I pointed my mountain bike uphill – for two hours and fifteen minutes. 😵
After spending five weeks near sea level, I fully expected to get humbled by one of my favorite rides in the Roaring Fork Valley, but as a social cyclist, I couldn’t resist the chance to clip in alongside some great (and new) friends for some good old Type II fun.
Here are some thoughts that came to mind as a pedal, pedal, pedaled my way to the top!
1️⃣ Age Is Just a Number
There were seven of us on the ride.
I was the third youngest.
And the slowest. 🐢
I've said it before, but mountain biking has become one of my favorite reminders that getting older doesn't automatically mean slowing down. In fact, there are some pretty incredible athletes in their 80’s around here.
If that isn’t proof of “use it or lose it,” I don’t know what is.
Regardless, at the end of the day, age is just a number. I try really hard not to act like mine, even if it does mean I get sweeter with time. 😉.
💡 Reminder: You're never too old to start something new (or keep doing something you love).
2️⃣ Just Keep Pedaling
This ride, the Crown Royale (yes, you’ve heard of it before….it may have been the site of some recent carnage written about a few weeks back 😬), has three segments. Each one can be a ride of its own if you want it, but string the segments together, and you end up with some pretty stunning views and enough calories burned to enjoy a guiltless all-you-can-eat buffet.
Too bad Ponderosa basically went under. 😆
After segment two of three, I almost bailed.
My legs hurt, my lungs hurt, and nearly five weeks at sea level was starting to feel like a thing.
So I did the only thing you can do…looked at my two bike besties and said: “I think I’ll regret it if I don’t keep going.”
Pedal. Pedal. Pedal.
💡 Reminder: It’s amazing what you can do when you put your mind to it.
3️⃣ Ride Your Ride
Yep, I was the slowest one in the group (on the uphill…downhill is a different story. Sorry, mom).
And you know what? I still had an absolute blast. I always do!
Nobody was timing us. Nobody cared. Nobody was waiting at the top with medals.
I can only go as fast as I can go, and I’ve decided to stop letting comparison or fear that someone is going to get mad waiting stress me out.
Whether it’s a bike or a boardroom, I challenge you to do the same.
💡 Reminder: Someone will always be faster; don't let that stop you from enjoying your own ride.
4️⃣ The Mental Game Is Real
Mountain biking is as much between your ears as it is between your pedals.
Long climbs have a way of convincing you that you’re one step from death. Technical sections are an elbow smash waiting to happen, and the downhill sits squarely between exhilaration and explosion.
The truth of the matter is that sometimes the biggest obstacle on the trail isn't the trail at all.
It's the conversation you're having with yourself. Lucky for all of you, I use mental madness to write your Sunday Scaries. 😂
💡 Reminder: Be careful what you let your inner voice convince you is true.
5️⃣ Redemption is a Beautiful Thing
As I mentioned earlier, there was some carnage the last time I was here. Not only did my friend conk her noggin, but I left a heart-shaped piece of skin (and then some) behind in exchange for some epic trail rash.
A big crash gets in your head a little, not to mention the fact that I’ve been away from big mountain riding for about six weeks…there was a little part of my head that was nervous to get back out to the trail of scars…
Luckily, I crushed it (and then some). 💪
💡 Reminder: One bad ride doesn't define you.
6️⃣ There's No Place Like Home
This morning reminded (again) me why I love living where I do.
The mountains. The trails. My bed. 🤣
The people willing to spend four hours climbing and descending for no reason other than it's a Sunday..
After five weeks away, it felt really good to be back in my habitat while also knowing I picked up right where I left off, too.
💡 Reminder: Home isn't just where you live. It's where you feel most like yourself.
7️⃣ Expect the Unexpected
I honestly expected this ride to humble me.
Five weeks away, lower elevation, very little climbing, and a whole lot more ice cream than I like to admit.
But then…I PRed the climb. And the downhill. I bested that entire freaking ride. 🤯
Who would have predicted that when I clipped in this morning. I’ll tell you who: Jim.
Maybe that's the lesson. We can get so caught up in what we won’t be able to do that we never stop to find out what we actually can.
Today, I’m glad I gave myself a chance.
💡 Reminder: Give yourself the chance to surprise yourself.
As I rolled back into the parking lot, one thought kept bouncing around in my head.
Home is a pretty great place to be. Especially when it reminds you that you're capable of more than you thought.
Where can you hang out to remind yourself of how much you can do when you put your mind to it?
Until next Sunday…
Your Friend and Coach,
Angie
