Uncertainty

 

I have entered the first stage of my cycling journey: uncertainty.

Am I ready? Will nagging injuries subside? Will the ride be safe? Will our group gell? Is this too much for me?

PD has introduced anxiety into my life. Anxiety is a common disease symptom. It is new to me  - a foreign invader - and I have not developed defences yet. Rationally, I believe that this cycling challenge is something I can do. I proved this to myself with last Summer's long ride. Still, self-doubt surrounds me like icky cobwebs, and I am now prone to unwarranted feelings of dread, inadequacy, and overload. About this trip, my instincts say, "Don't go," and I am learning that I can no longer always follow my instincts prima facie. It's complex.

In truth, I am ready. Objectively, though I have under-trained a bit due to mild bursitis in my left knee and some strain in my hips from a demanding ski adventure, still, it was enough. I am good enough to go. I will start slow and ramp up.

I am attaching some trip details and aim to write a daily entry. It will be great to have you along for the ride.

I leave tomorrow on an overnight flight to Gatwick airport in the UK, and the cycling starts on Friday. 

Here is a link to our route overview:

https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:6e04b761-bc4a-3201-800d-3e7d8df08b81

And our ride each day:https://ridewithgps.com/events/199950-