OK, maybe that’s not exactly the type of “recovery” day that you’d expect for our first day off in 10 days of Tour riding. But it is truly what is going on right now, at least for me. The past week and a half have been, well, unexpected. I came into this event knowing we’d face some serious challenges and have to test our strength of will in ways we never thought possible. What I didn’t expect was that the cycling would be the easy part of it all.
The Réve Team of Heidi, Kym, Maria, Jennifer, Kate, and Me came together as nearly strangers. We all have very different riding styles, experience, and expectations. Yet, we’ve come together to figure out what works best and how to take care of everyone the way they need to be taken care of. Some girls need to ride climbs faster to protect their knees from grinding away at a slow cadence. Some need to go slower to protect them from fatigued legs. We all know what’s best for ourselves and we all respect what each other needs. In my opinion, we’re riding great!
Off the bike is another story however. The stress levels are so high right now because we’re being pulled in so many different directions when all we want to do is focus on riding, eating, sleeping, and recovering. I have even more respect for pro racers now that we’re getting a glimpse at their life. They finish a stage and have media requirements and other obligations to sort out before they can shower and eat too. They have race drama and coaches and staff getting in their faces too. I mean, of course Wiggins cracked the other day at the press conference. The last thing you want after riding all day is more drama. I swear, the biggest challenges aren’t going to be making it up every mountain; they’re going to keeping a level head every night at dinner. 
Positivity is contagious. So is negativity. And we’re having an outbreak of the downers here. I don’t know how to explain it other than it’s disappointing. We’re in this beautiful country, we’re seeing amazing sights we’d never see, and we’re riding so well together. But somehow we still seem to be doing everything wrong. I don’t know, I guess I just need to shut up, smile pretty, and keep riding.
But I refuse to let the outside comments and emotions affect me anymore. I’m RECOVERING my dream, my story, my adventure. This Réve Tour is about empowering women and inspiring them to ride more. So haters and people who thrive on drama will not change our mission. Today, we take back control and write our own story. Let’s rise up and make the statement we came here to make.
8 comments:
people on the outside are exactly that on the outside,there negativity, fears and jealousy can't affect the love and passion you have for what your all going to achieve some days you need to grab the bull by the horns and just go for it good luck !
I'm on the edge of my seat every day waiting for updates from all of you. I'm more engaged by your story than I am by the Tour! Don't let negativity get you down. What you all are doing is so much bigger than any little dramas and squabbles. You're all amazing and an inspiration. Keep up the good work!
Kristen- what great insight you have! It's always amazing to truly understand what goes on during these races. I am really proud of you all! Enjoy the rest of your ride- what an amazing experience!
Keep your spirit, the Kristen spirit, as your own and don't let others affect that. Or at least do your best not to! You are loved... remember that and screw everything else!
Impressive words. Enjoy the ride and know we are rooting for you!
Getting down is normal, so don't feel bad about that. You're human! But you have to know - no matter what the doubters and those who try to downplay what you're doing have to say - that you are inspiring a lot of us! Keep going. Keep pushing the pedals. You'll get to Paris, and we'll all be there with you.
Like Joy said, I look forward to your updates & tweets each day. What you guys are doing is much more inspiring than the pros riding the tour. Keep your chin up :-)
So I think something to keep in mind is I have no idea what drama or haters you're referring to, right? So, whatever seems like this huge deal probably is just a couple people. Have fun!
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