Training Payne (aka The Captain) |
In October 2011, I gave him a shout out in my race report from my first-ever half marathon, and when he and our friend who introduced him to us in the first place were both coming to compete in last year's Lake Placid IronMan, we had them both over to our house with a bunch of our other friends.
The view up to the Niagara Escarpment. |
And they sure didn't.
Top of the Rattle Snake climb! |
And then we approached Rattle Snake Climb.
It's a zig-zagging climb up to the highest part of Rattlesnake Point, and one Toronto cyclist calls it a "monster," describing it: "this is as close as it gets to an alpine climb in the GTA. Sure, it's not as long, but with multiple switchbacks and a crazy gradient, this is an absolute leg-breaker!" (click here for the site where I lifted this quotation from). So as Training Payne, The Man, and I approached this steep hill, I put my bike into its easiest gear and just settled in for a long climb. Training Payne was by my side, grovelling just as I was. The Man? He was nowhere in sight. He just stood up on his pedals and rode out of our sight. I just pedalled as much as I could, but about halfway up, I needed to pull over in a driveway to have a drink...I stopped and clipped out of my pedals. Training Payne stopped with me. Then when I was done having a drink, I couldn't get clipped back in! The gradient was so steep that I couldn't get enough speed to clip in and keep on going. Training Payne waited until I was clipped in, and then on we went again...onwards, upwards...onwards, upwards...onwards, upwards.
Post-ride libation courtesy of the amazing hospitality of the House of Payne! |
And then we saw The Man near the top; "it's only about 60 more meters to go!" he shouted, but then the road turned around once more and headed straight up. I saw my speed go from 8km/hr to 6km/hr to 4km/hr, and I started to worry that I'd be going to darn slow that I would just fall right over, so I hopped off my bike, swallowed my pride, and humbly walked it up the last few steps to the top of the climb, where I then rested, huffed and puffed, and ate and drank, high-fiving Training Payne and The Man before continuing on with the rest of our ride.
And what a ride it was! Each time I ride in the countryside around Ottawa, I end up feeling like something is ever-so-slightly lacking, but these roads through lush farmland, beautiful golf courses, large acreages, and over rolling hills were truly beautiful. No offence to Eastern Ontario around Ottawa, but Southern Ontario sure does have some pretty sights!
The sunrise from Training Payne's backyard after a night well spent with chit-chat! |
We turned into his driveway, unloaded our stuff, and then showered and were treated to dinner and all-night socializing with Training Payne and his wife.
There's no better way to close out a post-ride high.
Thanks TP!
Over and out,
Joy
I'm sorry but I have to strongly object to this distorted and inaccurate post. I have seen all three of you ride and have had the pleasure of riding with you all, albeit not at the same time sadly.
ReplyDeleteI can honestly say that you have massively understated your own abilities and from what I hear you've improved leaps and bounds since I last rode with you even.
The "Man" as you so interestingly call him (sorry for this swipe but I’m not married to him haha) is only about 45kg so his climbing abilities certainly go unquestioned...
BUT and this is a big BUT and is the major gripe I have with this post is that you seem to project Mr. Payne as an accomplished cyclist and a GENTLEMEN!!!! All who know him and have ridden him know that he is neither. I have read some fiction in my time but this takes the biscuit. The reason he stopped and waited for you is because he was likely going into cardiac arrest. The fact that he still had the front to pretend he was concerned demonstrates what a lowly cad this fraudster is.
I do hope you will publish a retraction at your earliest convenience.
Yours sincerely,
"Anonymously Concerned"
Listen, ahem "Mr Anonymously Concerned," you can't blame me for taking some creative license...what's a girl to do?
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