Once upon a time, more precisely at the age of 10, I received a brand new mountain bike for Christmas. I instantly fell in love with it, and my childhood revolved around this magnificent machine. I embarked on short trips with my family and friends, without any formal training, racing, or daring challenges.
A couple of years ago, my colleagues Achim and Harry asked me to join them for a bike trip. Unaware of their cycling prowess, I enthusiastically agreed. We kicked off our adventure with a burst of energy, zooming up hills and cruising through valleys at breakneck speed. Little did I know what lay ahead!
Initially, I expected a leisurely trip of around 20 kilometers, envisioning a relaxing finish to our journey. But to my astonishment, we kept going and going, surpassing the 50, 70, and even 90-kilometer marks. It was too late and too peculiar to ask about our destination, so I simply pushed on. My body was ablaze, my vision distorted, and my muscles felt like they were being roasted over an open flame. My mind, fueled by a never-ending surge of adrenaline and other mysterious substances, refused to let me quit.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, we reached the coveted 150-kilometer milestone, and we could finally rest. Words cannot express the overwhelming joy I felt in conquering this unexpected challenge. The sense of accomplishment was beyond measure, and my inner happiness was through the roof.
It was in this moment that I realized this incredible feeling had ignited a deep desire within me—to venture even further beyond the boundaries of comfort and the physically improbable.