Saturday October 8th, 2011 was a day for overcoming some fears I have while riding. I've been cycling on a regular basis for about 7 years now. In that time I have improved my skills in many ways, through learning from the experts, practicing what I have learned, to teaching newbies, to just getting out there and trying it myself. Well that good Saturday in October showed to be one of those days to just getting out there and give it a try on my own days.
Our route was to include a road in the Santa Cruz Mountains called Mt Madonna. This road I knew was going to be tough due to its steepness, but what I didn't realize was its actual terrain was. You enter Mt Madonna from Redwood Retreat rd. of Watsonville rd. The lower half of this road was mostly loose gravel; keep in mind it had rained earlier this week so at least the gravel was sticking to the ground underneath. However when you get into Mt Madonna it immediately starts into the 8% grade and does not give up till you hit the top where there is a huge Redwood tree in the middle of the road and you gladly join Summit.
Mt Madonna would best be ridden on a Mountain bike or CycloCross bike, however we rode our slick tire road bikes because we had a route we were doing that would take us 80 miles around. No mountain biker would want to ride 85 miles on road just to enjoy the 5 unrelenting miles of Mt Madonna on their mountain bike. I learned very quickly to get my butt back (just like in mountain biking) to keep traction on the rear wheel, and also learned to use "perfect circles" in my pedal stroke. Every pedal stroke that had more torque than the last would cause the rear tire to spinout and slide out from under me, like fishtailing on a motorcycle (yes I have experience at that too). This was a bit unnerving, but I managed to stay upright and took this climb slow and methodical. Not only was the road full of gravel, roots and very large potholes, but then at the second half of the climb the terrain changed to leaves and mud.
Again it took all my focus to keep traction on the rear wheel during the second half of the climb as there were pitches of 12%+ at times. For me this climb came down to mind over matter. I had to stay focused at keeping consistent circles, weight back, look up ahead to take the best line, don't pull too much on the handlebars or you will pop a wheelie. I also had to keep telling myself others have climbed this road in much worse conditions and made it up safely therefor you can do it too. Thankfully I had a ride partner with me that day and he had done this road many times before too, so he was able to show me the best lines over the terrain so as to keep traction without sliding out.
When we finally arrived at the top, I was both excited to be done with the off roading, but also a HUGE sense of accomplishment to have been able to conquer that road on my first attempt but to keep it together avoid the negative self-talk and stay Rubber Side Down.
Next time you want to attempt something that may sound a little difficult, remember to stay focused, stop the negative self-talk before it starts and find the fire within you to just keep going. You can persevere if you put your mind to it.
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