14 May 2013

Return to Cold Shivers

Not Cold

Cold it was not. And yet perhaps more powerful than last time.

With only one partial climb of Deer Creek Canyon this season beneath my belt, I took on Cold Shivers, Colorado National Monument and summer-like temperatures last weekend.

And once again, Van Halen knew just when to pop onto my iPhone playlist. Sammy Hagar crooned again just as I reached Cold Shivers.

"We'll get higher and higher
Straight up we'll climb
We'll get higher and higher
Leave it all behind
So, Baby, dry your eyes
Save all the tears you've cried
Oh, that's what dreams are made of"

-Eddy Van Halen, Alex Van Halen, Michael Anthony, Sammy Hagar

Last time I did this climb, I had not done any physical therapy. Last time I did this ride, I wanted to know if I could. Last time I did Cold Shivers, we did a shortened version, called the Monument Loop. We started at the bottom, pedaled all the way through the Monument, and returned to the starting point for a total of 33 miles. I hurt at the end. Shoot, I hurt all the way through the ride! But the elation of successfully making the climb dulled the pain and heightened my emotions.

This time, I knew I could do it. I have better posture and a stronger core, thanks to PT. This time, we'd just received our periodic Pedal Points newsletter from Ride the Rockies, emphasizing riders should be focused on climbing by now. "You didn't sign up for the flattest ride on the planet," the email read. This time, I still have pain, but it's much more manageable.

And this ascent of Cold Shivers Point, I did it in 55-mile style. No shortcuts.

I had completed 60 miles back in January, before I finished PT. Pain and discomfort increased steadily the last ten miles, but the adrenaline of pedaling 60 miles once again powered me to my goal.

When I reported to the physical therapist, expecting to be congratulated for reaching my goal, instead I was mildly chastised.

"Maybe that's your body telling you you're not ready for 60 miles yet. Why don't you stay under 45 miles for now and try to work up to 60 slowly?" she instructed.

So I have stayed under 38 miles for the very few rides I've been able to do since then, thanks in part to our wintery spring but thanks also to front yard renovations. Ever since we were drawn for Ride the Rockies in March, I have been able to avoid overwhelming feelings of discouragement and self-doubt by continually reminding myself I will be able to participate because I've always been able to finish the ride each of the four times I've done it, come what may.

An amazing thing happened when I stopped focusing on 60 miles each month. Riding became more fun. I can ride where I want when I want, and I don't have to stick with whatever route will give me a specific number of miles. I unwittingly reclaimed a part of my life by sacrificing a renewed 60-mile-ride-a-month streak.

My lone 38-mile training ride since then came a week ago with my first climb of Deer Creek Canyon in many a moon. Deer Creek Canyon is a challenging climb. I knew if I could still climb, I might still be able to do long rides. I knew if I could climb and do long miles, the only Ride the Rockies preparation challenge I would face with my abbreviated training schedule would be consecutive days in the saddle.

Deer Creek Canyon proved I can still climb. And now Cold Shivers Point has proven I can still ride long miles.

Now I just have to develop that saddle callous in three and a half weeks.

I thought I was higher than a kite. But things were about to get better.

As we headed home, I got my first-ever Mother’s Day phone call.

Climber

13 comments :

  1. Oh praise God on the Mother's Day phone call. I am so happy for you. :)

    Wow, that's a lot of bike riding my friend. You are getting stronger and stronger with every single ride.

    Blessings to you always dear friend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Stitchy! It truly was a day to remember!

      Delete
  2. Damn you sure road away at your bay, that is a ton, I'd be dead lol a mother day phone call too, bet that was grand in your land

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes indeed, Pat,
      That phone call is where it's at!
      No dead legs here after many miles
      Hope RtR brings joy and smiles!

      Delete
  3. I would most likely freeze at a place called Cold Shivers point :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha! It was cold last time I went up there, Cat, but this time, it was about 80 degrees. So no shivering. Just lots of sweat!

      Delete
  4. A great shot of the climb! I'm jealous! Can't wait to get back on my bike and get into the hills. Keep up the great riding!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're doing so well, Paul, with your recovery. You will be back on your bike in no time! I just know it!

      Delete
  5. That's a heckuva climb....

    You'll get your callous. I speak from experience. :)

    And a call! My heart is glad for you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Okay, Sue, so you were right. The callous is forming.

      Funny, though, when I was beginning to think I wouldn't be ready in that way in time, I realized it's going to hurt to form the callous, whether it happens in training or during RtR. So I guess I was mentally ready all along. :)

      Delete
  6. I'm so glad that your back is still improving and that you're having more fun with no streak to make you feel obligation to ride a certain distance.

    That phone call must have been a very sweet surprise!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, KB, on both points. I'm glad now (wasn't at first) I am not trying to keep a new streak alive now because there is so much to see and not enough good riding weekends to see it all! And yes, that was the first good mother's day I've had in more years than I can remember.

      Delete
  7. Listen to your PT. They tend to care about healing. Amazing closing line!

    ReplyDelete


Dusty words lying under carpets,
seldom heard, well must you keep your secrets
locked inside, hidden deep from view?
You can talk to me... (Stevie Nicks)

All spam is promptly and cheerfully deleted without ever appearing in print.

If you are unable to leave a comment and need to contact me, please use the email address in the sidebar. Thank you!

Related Posts with Thumbnails