Well, today’s the day.
At about 7:00 am I’ll crank along Paseo Del Pueblo (which I think means “the main drag of Taos”), turn left on Highway 518, stop for the road construction, and start up what the locals call “U.S. Hill.” In about 13 miles I’ll climb from about 6900 feet in Taos to 8526 feet at the top. (I know the profile shows 8100 feet, but I looked up the altitude of the pass.)
Then we’ll see if I can avoid crashing on the descent.
I recall a time, not that long ago, when I wouldn’t have done the first part of this ride. I’d have found some reason (excuse) to avoid that climb. I’d have made it sound good, and you wouldn’t know any better because you’re not here.
I’m not doing that today. I’m going to do that climb. It’ll be difficult and it’ll take a long time. But following dreams isn’t about being easy or convenient. At some point the stuff that once seemed impossible becomes almost commonplace. If you’re going to keep chasing the dream you can’t do it within a newly-discovered comfort zone.
RICH’S RIDE isn’t about a bike ride and it isn’t about cranking up big hills. It is about demonstrating that it’s possible to overcome adversity and accomplish big dreams. I am afraid of today’s climb. This crazy dream is about facing fear, showing that we can acknowledge the fear without being controlled by it.
If an old, bald crippled guy can climb this hill, you can climb yours.
Time to get cranking.
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The desert has a lot of signs like this.
I’m not sure what’s more disturbing—the name or the fact that it seems like someone shot nearly every road sign in the state.
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WHERE’S RICH?
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Doesn’t look like a good location for a stake out. Thank you for reminding us of our desires to step out of our comfort zones to do something amazing.