On optimistic planning and reality
Day one was one of the toughest days on the saddle ever. After destroying my stomach with painkillers for my back pain, I had trouble eating properly for five days. I wasn't even sure I was going to be able to execute the trip. I never said those words out loud and always continued as planned. Right up until the first day. After the first pedal stroke, I felt lactic acid in my legs like never before. I kept struggling the whole day. Almost hyperventilating on the climbs and feeling really low on energy. I hit rock bottom mentally and physically. After a long climb, and before the biggest of the day, I decided to surrender and find the easiest way possible to get to the Airbnb, which was 21 km away. I had 45 minutes before the sun would start setting, and there was no way I could manage climbing 1000 hm more.
