MTB Events

From Mediocre to Mega: Here Goes Nothing!

Last week I told you about my invitation to participate in the Megavalanche, one of the craziest gravity mountain biking events around. It’s achieved cult status in the world of MTB, with some of the biggest names in pro-cycling taking part over the years.

It involves an arm-aching 30 miles of descent from a piste at the top of a mountain in Alpe D’Huez, France, down to the town. Thousands of riders take part every year, and in 2014 that number could include me.

Those women look pretty hardcore….Image copyright C. Charpin

Did I mention that the mountain is often snow covered at the top? Oh, and the fact that the start of the race is a black-level piste? Or that it can take upwards of 2 hours to get down?

So with my lack of race experience (I’ve only done two, ever), and only one alpine trip under my belt, doing the Mega would mean having to seriously step up my fitness and skill level. And even if I did, that would be no guarantee I’d be good enough in time. I really didn’t know whether I should go for it or not.

This is where you guys come in. Your words of encouragement were great, and I even heard from some of you who have ridden it before – thanks for the advice! Reading through them all helped clarify my feelings, but two comments in particular really stood out;

Wow – good comment. It got me thinking – how would I feel if I said no? I’d probably really regret turning this opportunity down.

There are loads of handy internet memes that spring to mind at this point, but the following two I think ring especially true right now.

The other quote that stood out was this one.

I guess that’s kinda true too. They always say if you are going to take on a challenge, you should ideally do it with someone else, and tell your friends about it. That way, peer pressure (and hopefully peer support!) will keep you on the straight and narrow, working towards your goal.

So yes, if I broadcast to the world over the internet that I’m going to do it, I better bloody well do it!

But if I do it, I’d like to share my adventure with you all -and I’d love to hear any hints, tips, and motivational ideas you have to share. Therefore, take this as my official statement of commitment.

I am going to do the 2014 Megavalanche.

[Breathe, breathe, breathe!]

Now I’m going to sit down, have a cup of tea, and work out A PLAN OF ACTION. Every adventure needs a plan, and if nothing else, I’m always up for an adventure.