I hope you all enjoyed your bank holidays, the sun and time to relax. I decided to spend 5-days in Mallorca, cycling with my mate instead of joining the celebrations in the UK (To be fair it was booked before the date was announced and we did raise a glass!).
We booked in with a cycling company, Sunvelo, and they organised bikes, guides and different ability groups to ensure you have the best experience possible. On our first day we decided to join group 2 of the 4 possibilities, which were:
- Team le Tour – some electric assisted bikes, doing a gentle ride for a few hours 19 – 22kph
- Team Giro – faster pace (22 – 25kph), more miles and 3 – 5 hours
- Team Vuelta – slightly faster (25 – 27kph) more hills, 3 – 5 hours
- Team Suisse – Professionals!!
As we were waiting for everyone to turn up at the meeting point, I remember feeling slightly anxious about the group. I didn’t want to be a burden to the group or let anyone down and my ‘internal dialogue’ was already doubting my ability to cycle over 50 mile in one go. I hadn’t cycled much for the past year (Except a few Zwift, indoor cycles) and I knew, if i wasn’t careful, I’d blow out midway through the ride.
The guide immediately put my mind at rest as soon as he mentioned a ‘coffee stop’ after 30km 😀. It was a fantastic day which finished at the Bike Point Cafe for a couple of beers and a bite to eat with the group – day – 1 completed.(37.55 miles)
Day – 2 started by agreeing to join the next group up, to stretch ourselves. I felt anxious again! It was a longer ride with more elevation but with a coffee break and a lunch stop. The group was fantastic and we felt welcome and looked after with everyone sharing the load during the ride – day – 2 completed (74.43 miles). Finished at the Bike Point Cafe again for a couple of beers.
After this ride, I was thinking of taking the next day off, as a recovery day. Tony (My ‘so called’ mate) said he was joining the same group again the next day and it would be a shorter ride but it did include a tough climb. I couldn’t say no! Day – 3 completed (48.10 miles)😅
Day – 4 We rejoined the lower group as it was a longer ride again and the dynamics had changed with the quality of riders joining group 3. This proved to be a great choice as we finished feeling good and ending up at the Bike Point Cafe for the last time!
Each day, I had doubts. Each day I worried about not being able to keep up or finish the distance. Each day I had to talk myself ‘back in the game’. This was made easier as Tony believed in me. He reassured me that the groups we at the right level and that I could complete these days, he pushed me to be better.
I think we all doubt ourselves from time to time and it is so helpful to have the support around you to build your confidence, challenge you to be a better version of yourself and help you achieve more from each experience. Thanks Tony!
In all walks of life we need challenging, being pushed a bit, but, with the right amount of support. All challenge and no support will create burnout and failure in all areas of life. I have met people in organisations that are constantly pushed to their limits and beyond. This eventually hits a breaking point, which can be hard to recover from.
Think about your ‘team’ around you. Who needs more of a push right now? Who needs more support and, who needs a bit more of both?