sandy_pangle

Well, Today, I turned 48 years old. Two and a half years ago, I was a total "Couch Potato". My diabetes was totally out of control and I weighed 250 pounds. Then I bought a Giant Mountain Bike and started riding it on the road. My first trips were 5 - 6 miles and I was done for. I rode it for a year and then graduated up to my first Road Bike, a Trek 1200.

On the first birthday (my 46th) after I started riding, I had set a goal to climb a hill near my home. It is 7/10 of a mile and gains 210 feet. I did it . On my second birthday (my 47th) after I started riding, I set a goal to ride my age in years over primarilly rolling hills. I did that too . I then decided to set a goal for my birthday every year just to thumb my nose at my increasing age.

On many rides during the last two and a half years I often looked to the east and saw a mountain named Fort Mountain looming in the distance. This mountain is part of the Tour de Georgia mountain route. It seemed so impossible to think that I would ever be able to climb it. Still I fantasized about scaling it one day. I heard my cycling buddies talk about climbing it but I knew my abilities, yet I dreamed.

This year, I have some good miles in and have lost about 30 pounds and I pick my nemesis Fort Mountain for my annual birthday assault. Today was the day. This is a 7 mile climb with 16 mini climbs of over 13% grade. The biggest grade is 21% .

I started in a city park in Chatsworth Georgia and rode about a mile and a half to the foot of the mountain just to get my legs warmed up. I was trailed in my truck by my wonderful and supporting wife of almost 25 years just so I would have video evidence and a "Plan B" if I couldn't make it.

My legs felt good as I hit the base of the mountain. One mile, no problems. Two miles, still strong.Three miles, Im feeling like the "Ever ready Bunny", just keeps going and going!! Four miles, Ive come too far, I'll ride it to the top or die on this bloody mountain! Five miles, excitement and anticipation! Six miles, Nothing can stop me now as the personal pride swells in my chest!! Seven miles, I can see the summit. Then I was there crossing the top.

I pulled over at an overlook, Popped the cork on a very expensive bottle of red wine and celebrated the greatest sense of personal accomplisment that I can ever recall . This my friends, is what cycling is all about!!!!

I know this ride would be nothing for alot of the guys/girls on this forum, but it was a huge deal deal for me. This may be the best birthday of my life, and yes......I am not getting older.....I'm getting better!!!! If you're like me. Dont quit, push yourself, Life is great and it's way too short to not throw in a few days like today . Now.....Go ride your bikes!!!!

Cypress

You brought wine?

Good show!

40-Dan

Great story.

Next year... Brasstown Bald.

Dan

sandy_pangle

"Opus One" Vintage 1999 . I'd been saving it for a special occasion!!!

Mariner Fan

Great story! Congratulations on the accomplishment.

hamm

This is just fabulous to hear about - it really makes me want to start riding and setting some major goals for myself. I have really bad chronic asthma, so lung strengthening will be in order once i get a road bike.

I haven't bought one yet due to a marriage, our first house, and a new car.

Biggziff

These are some of the best posts, IMNSHO, anyone can read. Anyone like me anyways...40 something...overweight and trying hard to get back into some level of fitness that allows me to do more than go from the garage to my la-z-boy!!

I'm forwarding this link to a couple of good friends who are also trying to add some years to their lives by adding cycling into the mix.

Great stuff, Sandy....inspiring to be sure!

dmitri926

Congratulations!!! this is trully a good inspiration for all riders

Brandy

Congratulations and Happy Birthday to you

sandy_pangle

[QUOTE=hamm]This is just fabulous to hear about - it really makes me want to start riding and setting some major goals for myself. I have really bad chronic asthma, so lung strengthening will be in order once i get a road bike.

QUOTE]

Just get out there on whatever you can and get started. I can't tell you how many years I sat on my duff and planned on doing something about my weight and condition "one of these days".

shakeNbake

Happy Birthday!!

ericgu

Anything that is 7 miles long and has sections above 15% counts as a real climb in my book.

Congrats.

Private Lady

Congratulations!!!!! I bonked out on my attempt up Fort Mountain!!!! Awesome Ride Report

Zinn-X

Good going and happy birthday! It's good to hear you found a passion for riding

...red wine though?? I know from too much recent experience that alcohol is not a very good way to rehydrate.

sandy_pangle

It was just a few ounces. I still had to ride back down and I sure didn't want to go 50+ MPH while impaired . You just don't know how long I wanted that mountain for my own and By George, I was going to celebrate my conquest. After several glasses of re-hydration I am sitting back and enjoying a "BIG" glass of the wine at this moment . It's been a great birthday!!

jyossarian

Congrats! But wine instead of champagne? Or are you saving the champagne for the ride onto the Champs when you're 50?