Relearning Important Life Lessons in the Mountains of Europe

For nearly a year, the dates September 2-6, 2024, had been circled on my calendar. Through a charity auction, I won the opportunity to participate in the 2024 Plume Strong Cycling Challenge, #PSCC24, an annual event for serious cyclists. The 2024 edition would start in Zurich and end in Venice.

About two weeks before the start of the event, the organizers hosted a meeting for the riders to discuss logistics, including the race course. Not insignificant panic set in. I had trained hard: I logged more than 125 rides before the event, totaling more than 270 hours on my bike, covering more than 4,000 miles.

But there were two glaring holes in my training plan. First, I never trained at altitude. All of my miles were basically at sea level—a far cry from cycling through the Swiss Alps and Dolomites. And second, I hadn't done many steep climbs. In fact, I did exactly 2, and they were mild - 40 miles and 4,000 feet. Hardly what I would be facing in Europe.

Now, during this briefing, the actual challenge was laid bare. The 2024 edition of the Plume Strong Cycling Challenge would have at least 44 categorized climbs, including 5 Category 2's, 3 Category 1's, and 6 Hors Categorie (Beyond Categorization - Hardest Climb). The route would include Passo Stelvio, widely considered one of the toughest climbs in Europe.

When I landed in Zurich on August 31, I did a recon ride of the following Monday's Stage 1 course. In just 9 miles, I climbed more than 1,000 feet through the streets of Zurich, and my self-doubt only increased. I couldn't fathom completing the entire course, and I definitely believed I had bitten off more than I could chew.

The following evening, all of the riders and event organizers gathered for a dinner, which also included three-time Tour de France Champion Tadej Pogacar. Many of the riders present had participated in this event multiple times in prior years. In speaking with them, one point stood out: it's tough but manageable. For the first time in weeks, I was more excited than worried.

The next morning, we departed on what would become the most remarkable, hardest, and mentally challenging experience I have ever had. I managed the mountains, rode in pouring rain, and dealt with fatigue and extreme cramping. By Friday, I made it. I finished what seemed impossible only days earlier.

As is often the case, profound moments in our life provide an opportunity to relearn key life lessons, and this was certainly the case for me. Reflecting back on those 5 days of hard climbing, here are the key lessons I relearned:

1. Showing up is half the battle. When the #PSCC24 was months out, it wasn't real. I was training, but I wasn't seriously thinking about the event. By the time it got to be within a few weeks, true anxiety set in. But once I was in Zurich, amongst my fellow riders, I fed off their energy to increase my own. I was there. It was real. And I was determined to give it everything I had.
2. Things are rarely as bad as they first seem. Climbing tens of thousands of feet through the mountains of Europe is enough to put fear into the heart of any cyclist. The imagery in your head makes it seem truly impossible. But when you are actually on the mountain, you realize that with proper technique and focus, it's manageable. Was it hard as hell? Yes. Was it as bad as I thought it was going to be? No. Not even close.
3. Teamwork is everything. Most people probably think cycling is an individual sport. It's not. You need a team around you to be successful. Mechanics, support help, and, in particular, your fellow riders. When you are riding hundreds of miles day after day, your teammates provide critical help, from drafting to words of encouragement

Achieving a goal is always fulfilling. Achieving a goal you thought you had little chance of fulfilling is particularly rewarding. Many thanks to all of the great people at Plume, our great Road Captains, including Martin Elmiger , and my fellow riders. Chapeau!