Embracing the unexpected

I’ve never been a very competitive person.

But many years ago, there was one challenge I was determined to win…

It’s the late nineties, I’m living in Paris and decide to take part in an informal road cycle race in central France, organised by a friend.

For some reason, I take this challenge very seriously, and train hard for weeks in a local velodrome.  

Finally, the weekend of the race arrives. I take the high-speed train south, and make my way to the restaurant meeting point on the town square. 

Quite a few contestants look like semi-professional cyclists, in pro cycling gear and with their own very flashy looking bikes.

I don't let it put me off. I can still win this!

I’m given a rather worn-looking rental bike, take it for a quick spin round the cobblestones…

And… we’re off!

Oof! What I hadn’t expected was a 25 km rollercoaster of hills and dales.

Or the fact that my bike has definitely seen better days. Within 10 minutes, one of the tyres feels not quite right. 

I decide to carry on, braking downhill to avoid catastrophe.

The support car draws alongside me several times to ask if I’m OK.

“Fine, thanks!” I reply. I’ve prepared for this race, refuse to accept defeat...

… and pedal on with dogged determination.

Quite some time later, I bumpety-bump into the town square to a one-person welcome committee. I’ve come last, but I’ve finished the course.

That evening, during the post-race party, the winners are announced. First, second and third for the women, then the men.

“And, ladies and gentlemen, we have another, special trophy to present: Le Prix de la Combativité. And the prize for “Fighting Spirit” goes to….

Caroline Harvey!

For completing almost the entire Route d’Été on a flat tyre.”

Like an Oscar winner, I gasp in disbelief. Then walk up to the stage to collect my trophy. 

I may not have won the gold, silver or even bronze medal that day but, as I clutched my trophy with pride, I realized something more important. 

Things don’t have to go perfectly, to turn out well.

In fact, embracing the unexpected yields its own, very special reward.

Photo by Taha Karabulut on Pexels