WHY?
No riding today, I have just woken in my Paris hotel - the longest continual sleep since before the tour started 21 days ago. What I thought might be an interesting way to conclude my journey is to try and give you my insights whilst they are fresh from my experiences. There will not be a book this year - I have quite a lot of orders to fill for the 2015 edition from fellow Loopers in 2019 and the Wates family have asked for copies too.
The way I will do this is firstly to ask myself WHY did I do it?
My inspiration for endurance events comes from people in my life that I loved and love. My Dad - had to do his job whatever the weather, the ups and downs of being a farmer in North Yorkshire made him a strong man, thankfully I have some of his genes, including sheer determination. Richard Boardman - encouraging to the last and still much missed by me and his family, he would have been proud. Liz for pushing me, for saying "go on do another tour" - the most unselfish person I have ever met, my partner for life. Finally all of you who followed my blog or showed interest in my exploits - what an incredible source of energy and courage you have been.
Once I get an idea into my head I begin to believe I can and then the battle is lost to the cause. I would not consider myself an athlete, I am not naturally gifted at sport, I am a grafter, but I love grafting at something that is probably just a bit too big and then I can only envisage what it might be like to do it, never the: what could be the consequences?
I love mountains, their raw possibility, their intimidating presence, their beauty, their breathtaking views. Most of all being outdoors is me.
Finally I have just piled so many great memories into my head that will keep coming back for years. I can remember every minute of this tour and the last one - if you ever want boring to bits, have a coffee with me. I also know I am competitive, a little switch just goes on when I am challenged. Thankfully most of it now is channelled on being tough with myself albeit there were times on this tour where I loved being up the front, leading (maybe that is part of what led to my darker moments).
Tomorrow is 'highlights of the 2019 Tour de France' - stay with me for three more days.
Tony
The way I will do this is firstly to ask myself WHY did I do it?
My inspiration for endurance events comes from people in my life that I loved and love. My Dad - had to do his job whatever the weather, the ups and downs of being a farmer in North Yorkshire made him a strong man, thankfully I have some of his genes, including sheer determination. Richard Boardman - encouraging to the last and still much missed by me and his family, he would have been proud. Liz for pushing me, for saying "go on do another tour" - the most unselfish person I have ever met, my partner for life. Finally all of you who followed my blog or showed interest in my exploits - what an incredible source of energy and courage you have been.
Once I get an idea into my head I begin to believe I can and then the battle is lost to the cause. I would not consider myself an athlete, I am not naturally gifted at sport, I am a grafter, but I love grafting at something that is probably just a bit too big and then I can only envisage what it might be like to do it, never the: what could be the consequences?
I love mountains, their raw possibility, their intimidating presence, their beauty, their breathtaking views. Most of all being outdoors is me.
Finally I have just piled so many great memories into my head that will keep coming back for years. I can remember every minute of this tour and the last one - if you ever want boring to bits, have a coffee with me. I also know I am competitive, a little switch just goes on when I am challenged. Thankfully most of it now is channelled on being tough with myself albeit there were times on this tour where I loved being up the front, leading (maybe that is part of what led to my darker moments).
Tomorrow is 'highlights of the 2019 Tour de France' - stay with me for three more days.
Tony
Comments
Really interesting to read of all the inspiration that goes into taking on such a challenge. With the 'other' Tour getting harder by the day, and the 'canicule' heat settling over the race once more, I am more in awe by the day of your achievement.
Once our house renovation is done up here you and Liz must come and visit so that I can be bored to bits. Visit can also include whisky and gin distilleries and tastings and lots of beautiful Speyside outdoors.