So, it's a typical Saturday morning roll out with the Crew. Only Megzy in the third group so we combined 2 & 3 group and headed out into a glorious clear dark morning. We did the usual catchup chats with each other. How's your week been? etc. I was next to Winks and she was telling me she hadn't been on the bike all week. Great! She is a strong rider and with fresh legs she is going to want to go out hard. Me on the other hand, had been going hard at it all week. 2 x wind trainer sessions with nothing left in the tank each time and a TRX session with approx. 100 squats meant the legs were trashed and a couple of run sets would make sure the pins were getting stronger but they definitely weren't up to race speed and climbing hills at break neck speed.
In front was Big Gazza, and for only the second ride out with the Crew and under Coach's tutoring now, and The Onion Man. Behind me chatting happily were Megzy and Lil Dog. What a great bunch. Problem was after about 8kms it was apparent with Gazza on point, he also had fresh legs, having not been on his bike for a few weeks. Now Coach had told him in his program to sit on a really easy pace, but Gaz was fresh and the legs were spinning as fast as his mouth and when that happens he just rides off the front. I told Megzy and Lil Dog to hold our usual speed and before long there was a good gap starting. Finally, Gazza looked to see where we were and realised he was going too hard. I gave him the 'you're a dead man look!' and he gave me the 'Whaaaaat?' look back. I rolled to the back and gave him the 'What did Coach tell you? You are going to hard for us girls to keep up. Get behind and stay there!' Obediently and a little disgruntled he got in behind and the bunch slowed to a cruise pace that would see us last the 90kms through the hills.
Meantime, I had to make amends with Gazza who has the ability to keep his pouty face right through the ride. I started chatting and when he started to come round, I did my usual singing as the sun came up and threw a few, 'I love yous' into the mix to mend the hurt. At one point he said 'You better love me.' He had a curious look on his face that left me with a 'what do you mean? of course I do. response.
We continued on and hit the base of Bald Hill. This just never gets any easier! I climbed slowly. It wasn't pretty folks. Gazza went on ahead. No dramas this time as you have to climb at your own pace and I secretly hoped the hill would take the gusto out of his legs. When we reached the top the first group with Skip, Bangers, Coach and the rest of the gang were there having a quick break. The AP.10 Crew have been dominating the winter roads in the park. There are so very few other people braving the 3-4 degrees in the valley. We gathered to recover and have a laugh.
Just before the first group headed out Gazza (who is off his bike and wondering around, a bit strange but...) anyway, he calls out to everyone. 'Before you leave, I have an announcement to make...' I'm thinking shut up this is not your group we don't do this....shit!' He is getting teary and his voice is a little tight. I'm thinking what the hell is he upset for, oh no he is going to tell everyone he is pulling out of the Ultrarun. Gaz no, you didn't say anything to me earlier about wanting to pull out.
And then, he is saying that we are going to be renewing our vows in October in Hawaii on our 20 year anniversary. I'm thinking, Gaz everyone knows we are heading to Hawaii, I told them already, there's no need to make a big deal about it..........oh my, he is on one knee. WTF! He is looking up at me and he reaches into his pocket and brings out a ring. 'Sammi, will you marry me again?' I am totally surprised. I had absolutely no idea what he was up to and I laughed and went scarlet.
On the top of Bald Hill, in front of our AP family, he asked me finally and officially to marry him. See the first time, he never actually asked me, we just sort of arranged a quick, cheap wedding. This time he was on bended knee with the Crew to validate him, on top of a hill that has been a huge challenge for me and with a view of my home of 47 years. I could not have been more excited and in love with him more than at that moment.
I said YES! As the Crew clapped and congratulated us.
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| Signing up for another 20 years |
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