As with so many endeavors, one can prepare by training (check), eating well (check), not drinking too much beer (meh) and of course ensuring that one’s equipment is sound (check).
There are no guarantees though.
Our resident mechanic
I’ve been so impressed with Chuck’s enthusiasm for solving bike issues. While cycling with Louise we noticed an awful noise coming from her drivetrain. On-route diagnosis was unable to find the source but once we got to the resort Chuck says “let’s take off the cassette and just see if there’s something obviously wrong”. He was excited.
Removing the cassette showed no issues but both of us thought it required way too much torque to do so. We reinstall it with much less torque on the locking ring. Again with enthusiasm Chuck tries to replicate the issue and to my amazement (albeit with skepticism) there’s no noise!
A morning test drive would confirm it.
Detour
Group consensus was to to take the scenic route today, the road less traveled. This turned out to be very challenging with many severe climbs and descents. When I saw the lighthouse, where Penny and I got coffee before the deluge, I realised that we had done the detour too.
North Mountain
I don’t want to be just talking about our alpine défis but North would almost be our Waterloo!
Anne, Louise, Veera and I approached the base feeling quite good but concerned as well. To me it was as though I’d been in denial all day just taking in the views.
I should have know we were in for pain when it seemed the altimeter was moving faster than the odometer.
I said to Veera that her being with me inspired me and kept my mind off the task at hand. Had to get out of the saddle a few times when the grade exceeded 12%. Made it to the summit where I learned all the French swear words. These would come in handy when we discovered one more unexpected hill.
Bière sale
Louise introduced us to this phrase on our first day of cycling. A beer after the workout, before a shower. In the midst of this, along with some dirty chips, Tracy arrives saying she’s worried about Chuck and Jo.
Then these fully-loaded cyclist arrive with news that Jo and Chuck are walking down North.
This can’t be good. Tracy and Katie have already left in the van and we bravely persevere with our dirty beer.
A touching moment
Joanne arrives in the van in an emotional state. Hugs are provided as she tells us of not having any brakes at the top of North. She’d been saying, much earlier in the day, that she doesn’t feel she can stop on the many steep descents after Neil’s Harbour. I though she meant figuratively.
When I asked Jo if she needed anything she simply said “I just wish Chuck were here right now”. I felt such so much love and admiration for these two in that moment — and not just because she used the subjunctive.
This group so supportive and caring! What Paul didn’t say was that I wanted Chuck to descend North Mountain and get assistance but Chuck didn’t want to leave me alone in the middle of nowhere with no cell service. We walked for a long time. I learned cycling shoes are not designed for walking.