First time through The Gaps
I've been a lurker in the forums from several months now. I've been a casual cyclist for years but decided to try to take things to another level so I can get out on some rides with my boyfriend. I've gotten some great tips from y'all, especially from some threads on cadence, pedalling technique and climbing technique. So I have all of you to thank for my accomplishment today.
I was heading up to the North Georgia mountains with my boyfriend and some of his friends to watch the day's stage of the Tour de Georgia. Part of the course would be through an area known as The Gaps. This is a collection of mountains that are all over 3000 ft in elevation. The group decided to ride the three gaps that the course would follow in order to get to a good vantage point to view the race. I was more than a little apprehensive about this because I had never ridden the gaps and all I had ever heard was how hard they were. But, I knew I had to attempt them someday and today was as good a day as any.
It was very hard but I managed to do it! The first gap we hit was Wolfpen Gap. This one was pretty steep and by the time we were about 2/3 of the way up, I was really sucking wind. Thankfully, my boyfriend had to stop to adjust something on his bike. He told me to go an ahead but I used it as an excuse to stop and take a little breather. It was great to finally make it to the stop and very thrilling to fly down the other side. The next gap was Neel's Gap -- not quite as steep but a little longer climb. I had found a climbing groove and made it to the top without stopping. There were quite a few rolling hills on the way to the third gap and I was getting a little tired by the time we started up Woody Gap. Once again, not as steep but a long climb. It was also getting warmer and sweat was dripping off my face. I was determined to make it without stopping but finally had to take a quick break about 1/2 mile from the top.
But I made it and can now say I have ridden The Gaps. It was quite a feeling of accomplishment and very exciting watching the pros come up the mountain I had just climbed. Next challenge - do it again but don't stop this time. Future challenge?? - do the six gap century this fall.
Thanks again for all the support. It's great having a community of women cyclists to give you the courage to take on challenges like this.
Beth
