On Conquering a Hill
Last year, I wrote about a hill that defeated me. Union Hill Road. Here’s an excerpt from that post:
“There’s this road called Union Hill that runs through Parsippany just past Greystone Park. Man, that hill almost gave me a heart attack. I first started tackling the road with determination figuring it would eventually flatten out. After what seemed like hours (probably minutes) I finally gave up“
Yesterday I was riding, and knew that I was near that terrible road. For some reason, I got it set in my mind that I would be able to ride the hill without bailing. The closer I got, the more I convinced myself that it wouldn’t be as bad this time, after all, I know have a year of dedicated riding under my belt. Finally I came across the road where it intersects. As I approached, I debated changing my mind. Multiple excuses came to me, like the fact that I needed to have energy after the ride for a BBQ so that I could chow down on hamburgers without my jaw falling asleep.
Finally I crossed onto Union Hill. My heart started racing as I grew more nervous over the anticipation of having to climb this beast. I didn’t want to fail out on this road. I lowered my gears, and after a few yards, succumbed to the granny gear. Not good, I thought.
Climb I did. Slowly, but at a manageable pace. Eventually the pain became something I was able to ignore. I forced myself to take deep long breaths. Cars passing by were only mere distractions, but I did not falter. As I continued up the gigantic hill, a truck full of teenagers passed. While their attempt at a joke may have disgruntled me any other time, this time I took it as encouragement to continue my quest at defeating the dragon hill.
And so, on I continued…
Halfway through, I was tired. I kept moving. I cannot stop, or else lose my momentum, and if my foot plants once, that means the hill defeated me again.
After some time, it was just me and the hill. I think the hill knew that I was ready today. It tried to slow me with the its ally, the wind, but my mind was made up. That son of a gun of a hill was going down. I think I heard “Eye of the Tiger” filtering through the leaves from a nearby BBQ. I was encouraged.
Then.
Hill crest.
There I was. My legs slowed down as I raised the gearing. I had defeated a once worthy nemesis. Union Hill Road was now mine.
on July 13, 2009 on 10:56 pm
Hey, congratulations! It always feels great to conquer an old nemesis.
on July 16, 2009 on 4:56 pm
Thanks, Apertome.
Today’s the first day I haven’t ridden, and likely won’t. I am already getting that antsy feeling.
on January 29, 2010 on 5:16 pm
Good work, your articles are very interesting, i am glad that i googled your blog