Chi non risica non rosica
(Italian proverb meaning, “No pain, no gain”)
Recently, I signed up for a Tour de France (TdF) Challenge. The challenge was about reaching or exceeding the official daily distance, each day for the duration of the tour, by the cumulative effort of a team of riders. There was a tagline about unlocking one’s potential from the organisers.
Yeah right, I said and rolled my eyes. I signed up the previous year as well, but I didn’t really take it seriously. I had signed up on both occasions, only because of the persistent motivation of a work colleague who kept on saying said I could do it. Last year I only cycled in my local park and on cycle paths behind my house. On reflection, it was fear that held me back and I didn’t really think I could do it. This year though, I joined my colleague’s TdF team and I did unlock a latent potential. I went on the road and the canal tow-paths that lead to my workplace. I couldn’t believe I was the one cycling for an hour. I was so competitive.
I cycled over 600km in 21 days. I even cycled on ‘rest’ days. Now that’s nothing compared to some of the other participants. For me however, it is the biggest deal. Three years ago, I could barely keep my balance on a bike. I could barely ride for 10 metres without falling over. You see, I picked up riding a bicycle in middle-age. So, riding a bicycle for any serious distance was not something I would gladly do.
I am very concerned, even afraid, of the reckless motorist who seem to be on a mission to exterminate any cyclists they come across. As a motorist myself, I too have been inconvenienced by the numerous cyclists that pop up left and right when I drive in town (especially in summer).
Just before the Tour de France Challenge commenced, along comes this encouraging colleague who facilitated bicycle safety training for newbies like me. This colleague encouraged me to get on the road with my bike weeks before the challenge proper. They helped with planning the routes and gave useful tips such as: ensure you carry a spare tube!, prepare for punctures, carry out an inspection of your bike before you set off, don’t blend into the background – ensure you are highly visible to other road users and so on and so forth.
Finally, it was show time! I had to put in the time, get on the road and clock up those miles. I woke up early every day rode my bicycle into work. After work I rode home. I varied my route. It was painful- I felt some muscles I never knew existed. I was exhausted most of the time. I looked forward to getting on the bike. It was beautiful.
When I look back now, I find it was such a useful experience. I now commute to work on my bike regularly. My health has improved. I feel great. I have shifted some of that stubborn weight and above all, I have indeed unlocked a part of me. I could put myself out there…I could take some risk, I could do the impossible. The feeling is almost indescribable. The fear falls away and belief rises. I now feel I could do anything I put my mind to. It’s a great place to be.
After the challenge, I went on to spend a few days in Nice and Monaco. The finale of this year’s Tour de France was staged in these places. Fortunately for me, paraphernalia for the bike race was still about when I arrived Nice, a day after the Tour ended. So I took a lot of photographs. It was as though I was with the professional riders all through.
You may have heard the sayings: “Do something that scares you” and “No pain, no gain”
These sayings are true.
Ditch the fear.
Find someone who can motivate you.
Take lessons, then go for it. Do that thing you were so afraid of failing at.
You can do it.
It will be beautiful.
Chi non risica non rosica
(Italian proverb meaning, “No pain, no gain”)
Charlie's Blog 