Monday, July 14, 2008

The St Gotthard Experience

So at this stage you are all getting some idea of our trip and all of the different experiences that we are having. But its about time that we got into some of the nitty gritty details of a trip like this, aye how much suda cream do you really need and do cyclists wear underpants and of course how does your bum feel after 7 hours in the saddle? Vitally important questions I would have thought to relay to all our avid blog watchers out there and its about time they were answered!

So like most of you out there who, like me 2 months ago, have never experienced anything like this before Im going to do my best to explain what this cycling lark really feels like! And really theres no better way to do this than to relay to you The St Gotthard Experience. Sounds harmless doesnt it? Sounds like a pleasant continental jaunt or some sort of informative tour of a local historical landmark, wouldnt you say? Well in fact its a monster 30km Alpine climb to 2,1oom, with stunning views, precipitous drops, staggering feats of engineering and of course a large dollop of suffering for the virgin alpine climberaka mise.

Now 30km is a long way uphill for the average Paddy to get their head around, sure you can hardly go 10km uphill in Ireland never mind 30! In fact thats really the most important thing about mastering an alpine climb on the bike: you simply have to say to yourself that this is going to go on for a long, long time. Yes your legs are screaming for a break, your lungs are often trying to burst out of your chest and you are up and down out of the saddle more often than your Granny with a weak bladder, but in your head you refuse to give in, you know that with every revolution of the pedals you are one step closer to the summit and one step closer to achieving something really significant. And of course you are in an environment that is both breathtaking and inspiring. So I suppose to climb an Alpine pass on a bike is both a mental and physical experience that requires huge reserves in both domains but a hugely satisfying and fulfilling event especially your first one.

As for the suda cream, well lets just say its not something I wont pack again! And finally underpants....what are they?!!!!!!!
MT

No comments: