We did lay out a considerable amount of money before we came away on an almost new Specialised Vita ladies bike in the hope that this replacement for her Halford's special might mean her discovering a new love for outdoor exercise. In fairness the Appollo Haze weighed so much that when I fastened it on the Freelander's roof, it actually bowed and increased fuel consumption by 30%! I remember particularly her first words when getting on this new bike, "I don't do hills."
Well she has dispelled that myth with an amazing performance yesterday when she rode for exactly two miles, uphill, non-stop! There was one point when she got a touch tetchy with me as I shouted encouragement around a bend saying, "it flattens out soon." It didn't of course and the string of obscenities following me up the hill are still reverberating in my ears today! But do you know what? She didn't give in and full credit to her when she reached the top without stopping.
Unlike coming down Mont Ventoux like me, she feels ready and confident of making the climb a la Chris Froome.
Our friend Paul knows exactly the route we took yesterday and can confirm the effort required.
Photo is attached of Linda at the top of the climb. Total respect.
She actually looks like a cyclist!
ReplyDeletePS It's a Specialised Vita, not a Specialist Sita!!!
ReplyDeleteDuly amended.
ReplyDeleteAlways a priviledge to have an intelligent domestique like Al shepherding you up the hills.
ReplyDeleteGood one Linda.