**Full disclosure**
My 200 experience turned into a 100 experience.
Not due to any major injury or bike issues, life just simply got in the way, training didn’t go fully to plan due to work commitments and if I’m honest the weather forecast for the day was not very enticing!!!
I choose to enjoy my 100km…
And enjoy it I did,
From route to food, drinks, mechanical assistance and more, the people behind this cycling extravaganza ensured that the only thing we had to do was pedal whilst enjoying / challenging / torturing ourselves. What luxury!
Neuroscience tells us we create memories from the peaks and troughs of our experiences.
So, I made a conscious effort to make sure I savored those positive moments – the views (Wicklow you are a beauty), the amazing descents, the climbs I conquered, the smells of the country (silage in particular) and the warmth of the sun on my face.
Baltinglass Food Stop
By taking a few moments to really take note of the sensations you feel during and after those positive experiences, you’re more likely to remember it with joy, leaving you with a want for more…
More cycles, more challenging climbs, more social outings with your cycling tribe.
Challenges builds confidence, self-esteem and self-compassion – and carry over into our everyday lives, my challenge on the day was to turn off my competitive side and my internal dialogue telling me to go faster and do better!!
So choose to challenge yourself with every ride. This doesn’t mean you need to climb Mont Ventoux or take a corner too fast; simply choose a new route, or add an extra 500ft of climbing….
Or challenge yourself to simply enjoy the ride and leave your ego at home… No Strava, no average speed…..just pedal and enjoy.
What’s next on the club calendar…… ?
Well join us and see!
CSS Tallaght Wheelers is a Cycling Ireland affiliated club. Primarily a leisure club, it caters for cyclists of all abilities. Formed in 2018, CSS Tallaght Wheelers boasts over 70 members. For membership enquirers please email club secretary Robbie- Robbie.woodcock@cyclesuperstore.ie
