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To accomplish great things, we must dream as well as act
So says the card sent to me by my sisters-in-law, congratulating me on my imminent graduation. I always love receiving cards from these two, as it's never off-the-shelf pulp. They're always different, enlightening and uplifting. I like that quote very much (Anatole France, if anyone cares).
Sunday was a great day. I participated in the Great Brisbane Bike Ride 55Km event. I did the 35Km version of this event last year, and the different in performance this year was astonishing. Last year, I collapsed into a quivering heap on the side of the road about 5Km into it. The tiny first hill of Sir Fred Schonnell Drive had defeated me. It took around 30 minutes for me to recover. By then, we were the absolute last riders. Bah. Every other hill defeated me. I walked most of them. I stopped frequently. Official rest stops did not come soon enough, and I wished I didn't have to start riding again. This year, I tackled every hill except one (the one at Dutton Park that induces cramps in my quads), and in most cases passed people when climbing said hills. Aside from Cramp Hill, only one other seriously challenged me, and I stopped midway, caught my breath, then kept going. Plenty of others were walking it. I felt absolutely chuffed at my performance. BLITZED IT!!!!! I'd been a bit worried at first that I wouldn't enjoy the ride, as mum and BestMate were off doing their own thing (climbing Mt Coot-Tha), but I think it turned out well. I wasn't distracted by trying to keep up with them or (worse) trying to beat them. I just rode at my own pace and rested when I needed to and went all out when I needed to. It was a great day. EDIT: Photo here!!! 
The GBBR event got me thinking about the idea of a new bike again. And actually, it reinforced my feelings that my current bike is just fine. I caned that ride on my bike. It didn't let me down, I was very happy with my performance, and I didn't struggle (except Cramp Hill, but let's face it, that's just one hill). Though a new bike would be very nice indeed, there's no need for it. My steed is still better at this cycling thing than I am 
I got home to find MaxBabe had gone out to do more dreaded clothes shopping. She actually found herself a nice suit at David Jones and got herself some other bits and pieces. Very nice, and I'm pleased she doesn't have to tolerate any more shopping ordeals. MaxBabe has declared to me that she would like to get me a graduation gift - some cufflinks to go with my new shirt. Oooo! So we're going to the Mythical Shirt fitting on Saturday, then we're going to go cufflink shopping.
I've lost a stack of weight this week, undoubtedly due to the big bike ride. I'm at my lowest weight so far. In typical self-sabotage mode, I'm have not followed this up with more exercise, rather more laziness. Way to go, Max!!! 