I started Mountain biking in 1994. I was 31, unfit and considered myself a bit old but what the hell...:) My first memorable (albeit tiny) achievement was reaching the top of Truleigh Hil on the South Downs Way, both without stopping and without being sick from exertion on my brand new, lightweight 21 speed bike. I quit in 2004 due to a knee injury and never really got back into it. Although Ive cycled on and off Ive never actually been anything like bike-fit. Its 2014, Im 51 and on permanent medication that makes me feel f*cked. So why the hell have I just done the same ride on a home-made BSO (bicycle shaped object) with one gear? Answer, just for the sheer f*cking sake of doing it and because I woke up this morning and wanted to. Our friend Laura Lou Smart died last week aged just 24. She was one of lifes truly inspirational characters that never let anything stop her. Something I, or others, considered an obstacle she simply ignored and got on with it. She once asked me to help out with paperwork as she was planning on going to work in the USA for a bit. I was full of doubt. Had it been me Id still have been searching out visas, umming and ahhing and generally thinking of excuses why not to go. Laura, by comparison was over the Atlantic, working and enjoying life before you could say the phrase, immigration restrictions I dont drink so I wont toast Lauras life in the traditional way but I thought about her today and Ill remember her next time Im doubtful about doing something, however small and insignificant. (BTW I gave myself permission to come back down the road to Mil Hill and thats where the pics were taken...and I wasnt sick at the top of Truleigh Hill ... really I wasnt!:D)
Posted on: Sat, 26 Jul 2014 17:20:32 +0000