Ladera Norte- the infamous hill of far west. I didnt plan on it, but I did it today for the first time. Granted, I stopped multiple times on my way up to catch my breath, but I am proud of myself for just making it up that monstrosity of Austin. For the seasoned cyclists out there ol' Laddie (as I now affectionately call it since I've scaled it a whopping total of 1 time) probably wasn't too bad, but for a bike fledgling like myself it was rough. Really rough.

Riding up that hill really showed me how important it is to have the support of friends (and family) in all our trials. It is incredible how much strength you can find when there are people there encouraging you to keep going. Just when you think you can't go on, they help you get out of your head, get out of your body and just push forward. My legs were burning, I was gasping desperately for air... and I wanted to just hop off my bike and walk it. But my teammates helped me find my motivation. Thank you Arvin and Charlie for the much needed encouragement and for being so patient with me (REALLY PATIENT) ! And big ups to Ana for doing an amazing job her first time on that hill!

Giving people support when they need it most, I think that is such a big part of what we're all about. Within our team but more so to all the people that we will meet on our ride. That's what makes the efforts of this team so worth it. If what we're doing (and if what I'm doing, even at my tortoise-like pace) can encourage someone to make it through a rough day- mission accomplished.

Now in retrospect, as I sit comfortably on my bed typing this, I can say that the hill really wasn't bad. It hurt but it could've been worse. I am grateful for the burn, I am grateful for the shortness of breath (at least I'm breathing!), and I am grateful for Ladera Norte because I knew it had an end to it and that I'd find myself back in my room laughing with my roomie at the end of the day.

I'll be back on that hill again soon to train some more. No mid-hill stops next time. Or, lets be realistic, at least fewer! Eventually I'll be gliding up that thing like butter. Chamois Butter. Eventually.