Sometimes life doesn’t give you all that you want in one outing. Sometimes you need to push more or work harder to get the final 10 per cent. Dig deep and realize that if you want something, work for it and not give up. “Life is a journey, but it’s worth the climb.”
I was reflecting on the cycling ride I embarked on a Tuesday afternoon. The ride was tough. I struggled mentally and physically. Yet I continually reminded myself of the children that will benefit from our cycling cause to keep me going.
What an epic afternoon of cycling, I chose the word ‘epic’ as it defined my 70km ride I had mapped out.
Now I will use this word again and again as we cycle but Tuesday’s solo ride was a testament to the will and determination I have cycle for BC Children’s Hospital and most importantly realizing what we are doing is actually bigger than we think.
The ride was challenging because I had difficulty getting my legs to synchronize with my breathing. At times taking in too deep of breaths or breathing to fast which was impacting my body movement, thus to much movement into my legs. In turn I couldn’t get a feel while pedalling thus just ‘mashing’ my gears.
Climbing up Marsh Drive my legs were feeling heavy and I felt mentally drained. It’s amazing what one thinks of when they are trying to get into a routine. My mind couldn’t focus all I kept thinking was okay body let’s just get up this 1.8km hill at 6.8 per cent grade because the downhill portion of Garner road will be worth it. Why was this epic? Well after an evening debrief with Balj and Rob we figured that it could have been the stress from the politics that internally my body was not coping. I honestly believe no matter how excited I appeared. Internally there was something amiss.
Thus, part two came around as I began the climb up Baker Drive towards Pinnacles, by this time I was feeling better knowing that Marsh climb was over. But half ways up Baker Drive I developed a really bad stomach cramp. The cramp was the worst I can recall, to a point where I wanted to quit and turn around and go home. Though it hurt I kept telling myself “okay I can do this….breathe…change gears….the pain is minuscule to what little kids in BC Children’s are feeling.”
And yes I’ll be honest climbing Pinnacles road at 4.6km long and 6.2 per cent grade the thought of throwing up did cross my mind. For those of you that have climbed Pinnacles Road it can be 25 minutes of continual climbing. The cramp lasted for approximately 6km and eased up at the top of Pinnacles. Maybe it was a sign saying you can do this, it’s going be alright.
As I passed the Hitchin’ Post pub onto Milburn lake I felt myself getting comfortable my body was relaxing and I was feeling very positive . The internal storms were passing and I was in the zone. Hitting speeds on descents at 70km/hr. I was super excited. When one gets that excited feeling it’s a great momentum booster. I was full of positive energy, I felt as if shadows that were lurking inside me were defeated and I felt that I was on a mission.
The best feeling was visioning Balj on her road bike and our daughter Jaden cycling with us and visioning Jaden blowing by us saying, “Come on Daddy, come on Mommy, catch me if you can.”
Quesnel Cycling is Rob Gardner and Armajit (Archie) Sull. They are riding to Whistler this summer to raise funds for the B.C. Children’s hospital.