Well, not really on top of the world. I didn’t even get a 360 degree view from my highest point – but after a climb of 1280 meters – it was on top of the world for me! Today was my biggest climbing day of the trip. I was back and forth since I’ve aquired a little cold. My thoughts are: do I really have a 10 mile, 1000+ meter climb in me? Will it run me down where I’m not able to get out of bed the next day? Will my legs still work? Does this still line up with my idea of fun? Yesterday was fun. With out weight I biked to Bulbion, a 1003 meter ascent into the Sierra Madre. My first close encounter with the peaks, their snow capped heads keeping watch over my climb. It was another stellar fall day – colors, sun and cool. It will sound ridiculous to some when I say this but the climb unfolded with ease as my body found it’s rythym. No weight was a joy and I was at my high point in 2.5 hours. I was feeling pretty stoked!
Today is a different story. I’m loaded with weight, and all that sweating yesterday didn’t quite kick out this cold. I’ve checked in with my body and I feel confident we can do it. I’ve got serious snacks today: sardines, avocados, corn nuts, crackers and chocolate. We are on an hourly feeding schedule to keep the tank fueled. My body is willing but she wants top treatment today – no cutting corners!
Chris, one of my warm showers hosts, decides to do the first 30 minutes with me. I’m proud of him. At 64 he is out there pushing himself up the hill! An inspiration. On a side note I have seen tons of folks over the age of 60 on bikes here. Getting groceries, biking through town and scenic riding. I plan to add to their ranks when I reach that maturity level. But first I have to tackle this climb. I’m looking at a minimum of 15 km on the first ascent. I’m ready to get Zen and enjoy this.
And I do. It’s gorgeous. Yes, I’m in my lowest gear most of the time and babies could crawl faster than my speed…. but it doesn’t matter. I’m in heaven. I’ve been transported. Around each corner I’m surprised with the new view and go deeper into this experience. The world has gone technicolor and I’m seeing each grass for itself, each tree greets me and I’m swallowed into the landscape as I ride!
I ride up and up and then a little more up. Close to what seems to be the top I’m pulled from my dream state by hunger. I’ve fallen off the hourly feedings and the body is starving. Perched on the side of this mountain I gorge on sardines and crackers looking out at the Sierra Madre.
After an hour snack I’m back on and sure enough in another 100 meters we crest the shoulder, Yes we made it! (that is the bike and I) glory to god and my legs! We’ve done it! Success! What is our reward for this effort… a bank of clouds, chilly sweat and obscured views to the sea.
I decend a rapid 300+ meters to a flat and then, I start climbing again. WHAT? I check google maps and for sure… I have over 300+ meters more to ascend. Oh legs…. please do not rebel on me now. I need you. My false promise of the top was not intentional and I can’t have you fail me here. We need to keep it together. please.
And we do. We climb it, every peddal stroke I udder a thank you to my body that is being pushed towards it’s limit right now. I’m making irrational promises that I won’t ask this of it again if she’ll just perform for me today…. bargaining, isn’t that a stage of grief or addiction?
We do it, the sign for our high point of 1280 comes out of the clouds and I take a photo to celebrate our feat, but hold some skepticism that it’s actually the top. It is. The descent begins now and I have to layer up because it’s cold in the clouds and my shirt is drenched from hours of climbing.
Now the sweet glory of the descent. It IS sweet glory. A few kilometers down we get some hazy sun again. While the sea is still an illusion I’m starting to get views. The road is steep and serpentine giving my forearms their due as I work the breaks to stay in control. We are dropping FAST, the valley is opening up. It’s treeless which adds to the drama of the descent. WOW this is a thrill ride!! WOW this is Incredible!
I drop and drop, even the “flats” are down hill. It’s brilliant and before I know it my bike, body and I have sailed into Castillo de Banos. We have reached the coast.
Goodbye mountains. You have been great to me. What a ride. I will be back Sierra Made, your glory beckons! Thank you.
Mirczak's Magical Year 