Story for Nightmare on Elm

Autumn's arrival was accompanied by a rather sudden departure of the Indian Summer temperatures we had been enjoying in Northeast Georgia.  That didn't stop a small but intrepid band of Athens 'zealots' from journeying to Commerce, GA for the 2nd annual Nightmare On Elm Street charity ride for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Jackson County.

With start time temps hovering at sub 50 degrees, it was finally an occasion to bust out the 'Belgian Knee Warmers' roll-on style.

Longer rides like these with the "fast group" are as much a test of my mental strength as they are my physical abilities.  I've been struggling with the position of my new cleats and the sore quad and hamstring issues reared their ugly head again. With famed Athens riders like Frank T, Eric CA, Chris D and the Godfather himself leading the way, I had to evaluate just how much I was going to be able to contribute and still stay with group.

I hate, I mean hate, feeling like baggage on a ride like this.  I really do want to do my part, take my turn at the front and help keep the pace at an appropriate speed.  But it is also a measure of maturity and cycling craft to know your limits. After about 4 turns on the front, I knew I was on my way to being dropped if I didn't filter to the back and just hang on for dear life. 

But Athens is a special place for cycling and these gents are good ambassadors of the sport. If they wanted to go light speed and drop my butt, they could do so at any moment, but the Espirt de corps on this ride was such that it is more fun bringing everybody home than just a few.

So why suffer for a 100+ km?  Cycling is one of the few place in my personal and professional life were my effort and opinion are so genuinely respected.  It is where my mind and body come together and let me fly over any of the fear or disappointments in the rest of my world.  And for that I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity each and every time I turn a pedal.