Black mountain

"The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short, but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark" Michelangelo.

Took a pretty decent ride today into Canberra city and up to Black Mountain. Fairly flat the whole way into town and up to the start of the road I now refer to as 'Burning quads'.

I had great intentions of riding up most of the way, knowing full well I couldnt make it that far up a very steep road in one hit. It took me about 100 metres before I had to get off the saddle and walk! Its almost a kilometre above sea level to the top and the road seemingly goes forever. Cars wizzing past as if to taunt you and this one bicyclist, I'm assuming training for something, over-took me as I was plodding up the side of the road and then went back down for more! She got to the top twice before made it up once! Amazing. It must have been her state-of-the-art road bike and the advertised licra she was wearing that made her go that fast, surely. When you think your doing well at something, it sometimes takes another person to do it much much better to bring you sailing back to earth.

Needless to say I was knackered once reaching the top and decided to call for backup. Jem and the boys met me up there to have a look at Telstra tower and then I got a cumfy seat home. 

Goal - To be able to ride from home up to Telstra tower at the summit of Black mountain, then ride back again. About 40kms all up.