I was drunk on the Olympics but now my post Olympic hang over reminds me that I need to ride.Every success and triumph triggered some strings and helped me to realize that the dream is not dead...now let's see where it will take me. No delusions of grander, simply put, I want to ride.
The key to training is to find a distractions, or to more importantly, to find a target. Be it something or someone, use it properly and positively and you are on your way to the greatest story every written...well at least you will think so. My problem was I didn't really have one until an idea took hold and without even thinking, gravel roads and head winds suddenly became my classic.
Images of the hard rides and the hard men that rode them push me , make me smile, and turn every pedal stroke . I can see the likes of Van Petegem, Museeuw and Taffi all toughing it out, glancing over with a knowing smile and a silent nod to this madness.
Each time out my tires sink and the wind holds me back . I finish the ride busted but not broken.Cranked but not cracked ,my first thought are of food , then to sleep.
I hear banter and back slapping of 190km+ rides and I could go crazy thinking that I am behind if I take that approach but I don't. Each rider, each person has their different approach and I feel good. The simple truth is I have ridden more 3hr rides this Feb/march than I did all last summer. My 6to1 bank account growing ever so slowly and I can't wait for the next ride.
