Riding the pinnacle in the Cumberland Gap National Historic Park was not easy. My first attempt was almost impossible seeing that I had to make many pit stops. I think that I must have gotten off the bicycle an estimated twenty times. I would go maybe 1/4 of a mile take my foot off of the pedal stand on the pavement then rest. It seemed that I could not reach the top of the mountain at pinnacle overlook.
Sometimes I would get so frustrated that I could not make it to the top without stopping. Often I felt that this was not a true pinnacle climb seeing that it took so long. Many times I would walk the bike a little ways then jump back on and start pedaling again. Sometimes I would ride up a short ways then turn back around and go back to my truck parked at the visitor center. That was the easiest way to complete my attempt at king of the mountain. No worries I’ll be back tomorrow.
That’s when my cycling friend Ken offered me instructions on how to ride the mountainous road called the . pinnacle. Ken was an avid cyclist who enjoyed teaching others about riding the bicycle how to ride, where to ride, proper etiquette, and especially riding the pinnacle.
The most important words that Ken gave me about riding the pinnacle, were words that gave physical challenge to my mind and my body. Later on, these words not only helped me to ride the pinnacle, they also ushered in a new mentality when acquiring thoughts of fitness.
The words spoken by Ken happened while we were preparing for our weekly group ride in Middlesbrough. We were all ready with five riders helmets, jerseys, and water in hand. However, we had not yet decided where to go. Thoughts of a sugar run, belt line, and Pineville pike were mentioned. Some routes with flat roads some with hills, some with dogs, lots of scenery. Some were on busy highways with a few downhills. I really liked something pure and simple not complicated.
That’s when Ken had the thought of riding the pinnacle with Rick not stopping. Today would be nonstop peddling to the pinnacle mountain. A complete effort of riding from the bottom to the top without getting off the bike. No rest till the top. At first i was nervous and timid about the ride. I wanted to wait a while before trying a pinnacle ride. I wanted to get in better shape. I wanted assurance. I needed s better plan. Just one more day. I accepted the challenge of riding the pinnacle without stopping all the way to the top. I signed up for the ride! To make a long story short, I made it with glee all of the way to the top without stopping, and have ridden the pinnacle many times since. The lesson learned from riding the pinnacle is one of continuing efforts. However small or large your efforts are, you’ll be just fine just rinse and repeat!
Memorial Fitness 