An Epic Climb and a Mighty Fall

After our bike ride on Tuesday morning I told Les, "I want to go up Santa Su on Thursday." Santa Su is short for Santa Susana Pass Road. This is a steep, 2+ mile climb about 3 miles from our house. Les looked at me in surprise, but once it was out of my mouth there was no turning back!

I wavered in my commitment quite a bit yesterday. I was trying to figure out how to get myself out of that little promise. I knew the challenge was only to me, Les has ridden it hundreds of times. I went to bed last night thinking, "What have I gotten myself into?"

We were up early this morning and I was getting more nervous by the minute. Just before we left, I reread yesterday's post and made a few promises to myself. "I promise to trust myself." "I promise to try something new."

And I Did It!! I made it to the top of Santa Su without stopping. I was in my lowest gear, but I did it!! I was so happy, surprised, and relived!! Yeah for my first Epic Climb!


At the top of Santa Su, we crossed over the 118 freeway. At that point we had a decision to make - turn around and go home or go up a dirt trail called "Rocky Peak." This is where my "Mighty Fall" took place. We started up an extremely steep dirt trail and I just toppled over! Right into the bushes!! I have the scraped knee to prove it, but I'm not hurt too severely since I was barely moving at the time. Les says I am now initiated - I've fallen off my bike!

The final result: The Epic Climb outweighed the Mighty Fall!