As a fellow aficionado, I felt your pain. Mine has been on numerous rides that were too long, too steep, too ambitious or too dangerous. After which I swore up and down that I'd never do it again only to ponder a day or two later my next challenge. There is something mysterious gained by pushing up against our limits. For me it's the satisfaction of knowing that for my growing limitations as I age, there are still challenges ahead. I'm not sure I would describe the price we pay as "sweet pain" but it certainly focuses all my attention and life force on a singular task before me. Meeting that challenge, win or lose, is more than half the battle.
Thanks for an enjoyable read. I'll never ride the Pyrenees but at least I'll have memories of what it might be like.
As a fellow aficionado, I felt your pain. Mine has been on numerous rides that were too long, too steep, too ambitious or too dangerous. After which I swore up and down that I'd never do it again only to ponder a day or two later my next challenge. There is something mysterious gained by pushing up against our limits. For me it's the satisfaction of knowing that for my growing limitations as I age, there are still challenges ahead. I'm not sure I would describe the price we pay as "sweet pain" but it certainly focuses all my attention and life force on a singular task before me. Meeting that challenge, win or lose, is more than half the battle.
Thanks for an enjoyable read. I'll never ride the Pyrenees but at least I'll have memories of what it might be like.