Markleville smiled as he heard us call out his name. He was gingerly walking out his garage door as I yelled out to see if he was ready to ride. “I’ve been ready since yesterday,” he replied without so much as thinking. As he clipped into his pedals he told me that he hadn’t been able to sleep the last two nights because he was so excited. FM, standing next to me at that moment, nearly melted.
Me too.
Greg was there and led us down the driveway and on our way. The roads were rain soaked and a bit slippery. Markle hardly noticed. He was riding with the boys again and nothing was going to dampen his spirits. He’s seen much worse and ridden through much more than we’ll ever imagine. We turned right on Powell Road and Markle commented that this was his first time out of the neighborhood in two years. FM melted a bit more. Me too.
We reached downtown Powell and saw a large man stradling his TREK. Couldn’t be I thought. This man just started his own law firm and has been up to his eyeballs in work and all other kinda distressors; but it was him. Bill greeted us with his familiar, easy way and quick wit. We turned right without stopping. Stopping, you see, is Markle’s problem. He’s alright as long as he keeps moving.
We cranked it up now as the breeze was at our backs. Markleville went out front and, for a brief while, we pedaled into the low teens. Churp mostly rode silently in the back. He just met Markle and was taking it all in. Brett and his son Michael came up alongside Markle and shared some Boone stories and more than a couple laughs as we descended toward 315 and the sharp turn right toward the barn. Eight riders made the right turn and took up most of the lane to assure we’d be seen if some kinda vehicle came calling.
The last turn in this tour de powell was another right. This right, however, wasn’t like the others. This one hits you like a wall. Eight percent feels like twenty eight percent, especially when you never could feel your feet and your right hand has been numb since mile five. Markle doesn’t complain about it, these are just the facts this strong man has to face. All seven riders shouted encouragement as he hit the hill. His pace slowed and his balance lessened. His will took over and I saw that look on his face that I’ve seen for years. Pure grit. He wasn’t about to quit. As we crested the first part of the climb he leaned over to Churp and told him that he used to make this climb at 20 mph with ease; now he’s hammering it at 5. Churp melted. Me too.
Bill made us laugh with his sprint lead out once we had finished Mount Sherborne and turned back into Markles hood. We were having so much fun that we decided to do a victory lap. At rides end we had helped Markleville set his personal best, post illness, of 11.3 miles. He struggled to get off his bike but refused our help. He’s strong and he’s stubborn too. Stubborn and strong is a great combination when you’re healing. Stubborn and strong.
We watched Markle return his bike to its hook and said our good-bye’s. And, we decided that this was just the beginning. Every Sunday, you see, Markleville is going to ride with the boys. At least if he wants to. So, if you’re out early some Sunday and you see a small pack of riders pedaling around the powell area, slow down and take a look at the faces. You may just see one that is smiling ear to ear. He’ll most likely have his mouth open and making some kinda funny too. He’ll look just like the other riders. The truth is he’s NOT. Markle is much stronger. Roll down your window and go ahead and yell out some encouragement. Allez, Markleville. Allez. That would be perfect.
You just may melt, at least a little…
BUILT TO LEAD 