Some people are born strong. Some people train to be strong. Others live strong. Today, all I can think about is my nieces Claire and Lyla, and Kim Harris. These people fight to live every day, and millions others like them are an inspiration. I'm lucky. I am riding for something else today, something that actually matters.
On the road up the Tourmalet, at least a mile long, a "ChalkBot" painted messages from the Livestrong foundation--motivational thoughts about survival, will, strength, and drive. (go to Nike Chalkbot to see the images to give you a sense of what I am talking about) We saw the same messages up Soulor yesterday. Riding up the hill and reading the people's names, messages and thoughts kept my mind somewhere else. It felt like you were riding through a memorial, but with living names and people still fighting through life.
We had an early start, as we needed to get up to the climb of the Tourmalet by 11:00, before the road closed for the last stage. Today was about as miserable as it gets--we rode in 50 degree weather, and torrential/monsoon rain, thunder and lighting for several hours. The rain was coming down the road like a river. It was cold, sopping, and draining, but the ride felt epic.
We had to stay up near the summit from midday until around 5:00pm, so the cold only got worse with the wait. There were tens of thousands of people up on the mountain, and I am anxious to watch the footage as the crowds were crazy given the terrible conditions. Fortunately our guides had a trailer parked up there for the past week, which provided for some shelter from the elements, but all my stuff was soaked and I could never warm up.
This was the last of our big stages for the week, and tomorrow, weather willing, we will probably ride up one more HC climb Hautacam. JRH--the stage victory was all yours today.
Great blog -- Livestrong is a good motto to pattern our lives -- better yet to remember those whose lives will always be a struggle. I think you will have a lot more to look back on your "tour" than "riding the bike". Good job.
ReplyDeleteLove your comments, and can imagine the thoughts running through your head as you are struggling up that awesome climb! What an epic experience, and one that sounds a little life changing as well. Love hearing about it, can't wait to see more pictures after you are home!!
ReplyDeleteScott, I am lying here in bed next to Kim, watching a replay of today's stage and just read your blog to Kim. It brought tears to our eyes. How odd that I was thinking of you during Kim's infusion this morning and you were thinking of Kim during your climb through the cold soupy fog of Tourmalet. Thank you for thinking of my beautiful wife, who inspires me every day. It is amazing to see how strong the human spirit can be. We are praying for your neices.
ReplyDeleteTim Harris
Menlo Park, CA
Scott, not sure you will have time to read this tonight but here is a link to a WSJ article today about the race. Good luck in these last few days! Paris awaits!
ReplyDeletehttp://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703467304575382990114796062.html?mod=WSJ_hp_editorsPicks_5
Scott--what an incredible day. Thank you for your thoughts.....the human spirit is an amazing thing, and our ability to help and inspire others is truly a gift that should be given generously. I can't wait to see more pictures, I am heading over to the website with the pictures, but I love thinking of you riding over them, reading them and sending special thoughts our way. We love you and keep up the speed and strength!!! Deb
ReplyDeletejust again. may i compliment you on well you write your feelings and thoughts of the day, especially after coming home so exhausted.
ReplyDeletefunny to think about what your firs bike as a kid might have looked like and the photos of you learning to ride it. never knowing how many things you would learn while riding a bike!
just amazing scott. we are so proud of you!!