Paul_Smith SRCC
www.plsmith.co.uk
- Location
- Surrey UK
I realised I started to notice far more if I reduced my effort by a few mph.
Back in 2001 I rode Lejog, one of my first tours in an organised group, I rode the first few days as I had always done, not 'eyes balls out' but not dawdling either. Conversation during the evening meal when we were reminiscing the days ride I quickly realised that others had noticed far more than I had done.
Lejog had been a life affirming tick box for me, something that I had always wanted to do and I had finally got round to doing. I questioned why I had come all this way and here I was missing much of it; I may as well stayed at home! It also dawned on me that I cared more about enjoying the experience than being first at the campsite, plus I had chosen a group tour to meet new people and potentially make new friends.
So, I rode slower, noticed far far more, made some new cycling buddies who I still cycle with to this day and embraced cycling at a more leisurely pace; OK the latter may also be embracing that I can't go as fast anymore but he ho, every cloud....
Back in 2001 I rode Lejog, one of my first tours in an organised group, I rode the first few days as I had always done, not 'eyes balls out' but not dawdling either. Conversation during the evening meal when we were reminiscing the days ride I quickly realised that others had noticed far more than I had done.
Lejog had been a life affirming tick box for me, something that I had always wanted to do and I had finally got round to doing. I questioned why I had come all this way and here I was missing much of it; I may as well stayed at home! It also dawned on me that I cared more about enjoying the experience than being first at the campsite, plus I had chosen a group tour to meet new people and potentially make new friends.
So, I rode slower, noticed far far more, made some new cycling buddies who I still cycle with to this day and embraced cycling at a more leisurely pace; OK the latter may also be embracing that I can't go as fast anymore but he ho, every cloud....
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