One of the things that I have commented upon many times throughout our adventure was the slower pace that we set across Canada. Most Cross Canada cyclists accomplish their trips in anywhere from 2 months to 3 months. As everyone who has followed our journey knows, we took a 'lot' longer. These cyclists who we met who were riding 200 km or more a day made it (we assume) much faster. But did they enjoy it? Did they see any sights? What will be their memories? Were they able to be 'travellers'? For us, it was never about the speed. Sue throughout the ride, often said "I wish I was a 'real' cyclist". To her, the cyclists on road bikes passing us and leaving us in their 'dust' were the 'real' cyclists. But you know after we had passed 8000 km on our adventure I finally challenged her on this. Somewhere in our adventure Sue became a 'real' cyclist. Anyone who can wake up every morning (and that is tough for Sue), get on their bike despite the weather, how grumpy you are, or how much your muscles ache, has to consider themselves a 'real' cyclist. And 'Kudos' to Sue, as was pointed out to us, very few women actually accomplish this 'feat'. Even more amazing is Sue did it while putting up with 'me' whose patience, at the best of times, is 'wanting'!!!
For periods of time we were joined by 'younger crew members'. As they would power up the hills I had to keep reminding myself that this was not about seeing how fast we could get to the top but about seeing if we could still be standing the next day or 2 months from then. I would like to finish up today's entry with a 'fable' that most people will recognize.
The Hare and The Tortoise...An Aesop's Fable
The Hare was once boasting of his speed before the other animals. "I have never yet been beaten" said he, "when I put forth my full speed. I challenge any one here to race with me.". The Tortoise said quietly, "I accept your challenge". "That is a good joke", said the Hare. "I could dance round you all the way". "Keep your boasting till you've beaten me", answered the Tortoise. "Shall we race"? So a course was fixed and a start was made. The Hare darted almost out of sight at once, But soon stopped and, to show his contempt for the Tortoise, lay down to have a nap. The Tortoise plodded on and plodded on, and when the Hare awoke from his nap, he saw the Tortoise just near the winning post and could not run up in time to save the race. Then said the Tortoise: "Plodding Wins The Race"!
