Jure Robic. (Two time RAAM winner). RIP.
31 Dec - It would seem fitting that this year would end with a return to the Aka's loop. Fitting also that the weather would turn to crap. Likewise, it would sum up this year that within an hour of the ride starting - on this last day of the year - that the 500kms (and 6,000 ascended meters) would catchup with me. This loop is many things, but subtle it is not.
With the Maungtuks climbs behind me for this week, I had experienced the best weather seen in the region since February, and even had a suntan for the first time since March. Successive days of multi-hour hill climbs left me happy with the world, and feeling that this holiday was finally a productive one.
The Aka's loop awaited. Just one lap. So not an epic outing. 'Easy Pace'. Nothing too adventurous. But having ridden it the day before, I would have been arrogant to see this ride as an understatement. So one ride left for the year. One last outting then.
The weather changed. Gone was the sunshine. I would be soaked before I even got to the base of Paek. Hill, and the screaming headwind left me feeling jaded by the time I started the first climb of the day. No stopping though - Not this time. This hill has claimed me just the once, and this circuit will be mine. Too much happened in August - too much in 2011 - for me to second guess this day.
Later. Half way up the Aka's climb. I felt better. Then good. Then great. The rain now had a life of its own. Large dops of water landing, as if falling through trees, and there was no sign of the downpour stopping. No sign of me stopping - either. On this day of wind and rain and climbs. And solitude.
Gone were the memories of this circuit meaking me it's bitch. One day I'll do the Aka's Quadruple loop - And while I acknowledge that this day's ride was an understated effort to finish off the year, I know that the biggest year of my life is ahead of me. Yes. 2012 is finally here.
I love the feeling at the start. But this is a different level again. The day awaits. Still. And while many are focused on new activities - I am not. The goal remains the same. Truth be known I am sure of where the forthcoming year will take me...but little else. But this is 2012, and in a year where anything is possible that is enough. My arena awaits. Our arena - For those helping me on this great journey against the clock. Against my self belief. And also for my self belief.
If I die this coming year, then bury me facing east so I can watch the sun come up. If I make it, then I hope it was with your help - This journey will be one to remember for all the right reasons. Kia Kaha.
Back
Moving only forwards.
The New Year will bring me hope.
Hope that lives in me.
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