If a thought that comes to mind is: "Why on earth would you do something like that on a bike like this?" Well, you're not the first one to think it. Plenty of people have asked me this question up until now, which has actually been a nice thing. It has given me the opportunity to put words to a decision that was - initially - solely based on a gut feeling.
Out of all of my bikes, 'Penny' is by far the heaviest and, with that, definitely the slowest. But, when I think of myself as a cyclist, it doesn't make sense for me to pick any of my other bikes. Here's why: I have never been fast, nor am I a racer. What I am, is a bike messenger. I have been so for almost 7 years, and that's for about ¼th of my life. I spend most of my kilometres carrying around and organising cargo; it's what I know and what I'm good at. And most of all, cycling-wise, it feels like home.
I think in cycling ultra distances - just as much as in life itself - your biggest obstacle is yourself. And definitely since it's my first ultra, I'd rather stay close to who I am and what I'm most comfortable with. Just so that doesn't create an extra (possible) obstacle.
HOWEVER, that doesn't mean that I will never switch back to a lighter bike in the future, because - just as much as in life itself - identity isn't static. We change, we adapt, we grow. And if we do it right (I'd say) we stick, if not temporarily, to the things that resonate. Right now, this is the choice that resonates most with who I am and what I need to be comfortable, and that only boosts the confidence I have in my being able to succeed in this challenge. Less than 20 days left!!! I'm ready 🌞🙏🏼🙏🏼
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