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    Training & Nutrition

    How the Old Lady Conquered the Alpe

    Linda Messinger
    By Linda Messinger
    March 7, 2020
    LAST UPDATED March 6, 2020
    54

    My name is Linda and I am a recovering hill hater.

    As a cyclist, you sometimes don’t get much of a choice. But as a lifelong cyclist, and now being an almost 65-year-old senior citizen, I can confirm that the feeling is still valid.

    I raced for 5 years between the years of 1975 and 1980. I use the term “raced” very loosely. My nickname back then was The Gap because every race I was in, I would get dropped. If there was a hill, I would live up to my nickname much quicker.

    Fast forward 30 years. I was gifted my dream bike, a Specialized Dolce, in 2010. I have well over 14,000 miles on that bike. As the years have passed by, the aches and pains have increased. Last year I was almost immobilized by arthritis pain. I have a wheelchair and a walker in my garage that I used when things got bad. The only time I felt better was after I rode my bike.

    This past winter I was in so much pain that I knew I had to take my cycling to the next level. I had heard about Zwift and knew several people who loved it. In November 2019, I got myself a smart trainer and attached my trusty Dolce to it. I started setting my alarm for 5 AM and rode before work.

    I remember my first ride. I’m a pretty slow rider and not very strong. I wasn’t familiar with the layout of Zwift at all, and of course the route that I picked had a big hill in it. Nooooo! Then I discovered Tempus Fugit. At the time I remember saying to myself, “Hey I thought this route was flat! There’s a 2% hill in it!” That became my go-to route and I started pushing up that 2%. My strength improved as my aching knees allowed. 

    I kept at it. This past January I rode over 600 miles and my mobility drastically increased. I immersed myself in the Zwift culture. In the evenings I would search YouTube for videos of anything having to do with Zwift to learn the courses and tips, and to pick up any pointers that would help me get better and stronger. I started following some top riders like Phil Lovett, Adam Zimmerman, Ash Beech, Jan Pryds, and Matt Looker, watching their form and seeing how they spun with power up hills. I started looking at hills as things not to be avoided, but literal mountains to be overcome that would in turn make me a stronger rider.

    The Tour de Zwift was what turned things around. The Innsbruck course with the leg snapper and the main hill, as well as the London course with Box Hill, gave me a lot of practice spinning on hills. In the back of my mind, I started thinking about doing the Alpe du Zwift someday. Initially I had thought, no way, I’m staying away from that one. But now it started to become something I thought I could tackle. I decided even if I failed at completing it the first try, I could start it and aim to do more and more each attempt.

    One Sunday morning after doing the Innsbruck course with the hill from hell, I didn’t feel horrible and I had nothing urgent to do. The thought came to me that this would be quite an accomplishment if I could do this today after riding Innsbruck. 

    I decided to try to go for it and ride the Alpe.

    I remember as I scrolled down the courses and clicked on Road to Sky, I felt a feeling of total determination. I didn’t care how long it was going to take me. I didn’t even care if I had to take breaks and walk around from time to time. I was doing this, and I was finishing it. Today.

    As I made that right turn for the first time through that green field of light, I felt as though I was one of “the big kids”. As I began spinning around the first turn, people were passing me, which was expected. But I started noticing that every one of them gave me a ride on. Of course, I gave them ride ons back. 

    The chat was lively. People were joking and saying where they were on the course. There was such a different feeling as I continued climbing. Everyone was giving everyone else ride ons. On the other courses on Zwift, yes, there’s a certain camaraderie. But this was different. There was an air of “we are all in this together and we are going to encourage each other up this hill.” I joined in the chat where I could, mentioning this was my first attempt. Several people told me you can do this, you got this, etc.

    Someone was joking about needing a motor. I typed in “yeah, granny here could sure use a motor.” I guess the other riders clicked on my name and profile… and that’s when everything changed.

    Suddenly the chat was filled with encouragement directed toward me. “Linda, you can do this.” “You got this Linda!” “Go Linda!” “Keep it up Linda!” It continued for quite a while. People were asking me what turn I was on. One person asked if we have a triathlete in the making. Someone told me it’s okay to take breaks. I responded that I don’t care how long this takes and how many breaks I have to take. I am doing this, and I am finishing this today. I am getting to the top of this hill. The words of encouragement continued. I was suddenly overcome with emotion and fighting back tears because I was so moved that so many people were pushing me on. 

    These were people I had never met. They were people who were fighting their own battles up that hill. But we were united in one effort to achieve this goal. This is the soul of Zwift, and I felt as though I was privileged to see and be a part of everyone’s journey up the Alpe.

    As I turned each corner and the numbers counted down one by one, I made sure I took a picture at every marker because every one of them was an accomplishment. There was one guy whose name was Mike. He kept checking with me to see where I was and how I was feeling. He was way ahead of me, but he took the time to do that. I was floored by that. At the same time, I had two local friends who ride Zwift regularly, texting me and cheering me on. It was just an incredible feeling. Although I was getting very tired, I almost didn’t want it to end.

    It turned into almost a spiritual journey. My focus was intense. Nothing else in the world mattered during those moments except turning the pedals. Nothing else was as important as rounding corners 11, 10, 9…

    As I finally approached turn one, I was very tired but something inside me at that point had changed. I felt more confident about my riding. I knew I had achieved something that not everyone had done on Zwift. But I had not done it alone, by any means.

    I finally approached that big beautiful wheel. One friend of mine said that he hoped I got the set of wheels. Sure, that would have been great but at that point it didn’t matter what I got. As I crossed the line of completion, I threw my hands up as if I had won a race. And I had. The race was within me.

    I texted that I had made it and thanked everyone for their encouragement. I flew back down that hill with the most wonderful feeling of accomplishment that I had felt in a very long time. I had completed over 5,000 feet of climbing that Sunday morning. I felt like such an integral part of the Zwift community, and I was filled with gratitude toward all the other riders.

    As the ride came to an end and I clicked to close it out, I almost didn’t want to. I wanted to stay in that moment. I wanted to stay on that mountain and be with those people and encourage them on as well.

    I got off my bike and felt like I was floating through my house. I knew I had been a part of something that none of my friends outside of cycling could even understand.

    The old lady had conquered the Alpe.

    The spirit and soul of Zwift is an amazing thing. I am so grateful to be a part of it.

    And yes… I am riding up the Alpe once again very soon.

    See my ride on Strava >
    See my ride on Zwift.com >

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      Linda Messinger
      Linda Messinger
      Linda is a lifelong cyclist with a love of anything on two wheels. The bike has become her go-to instrument to be that twelve-year-old she still thinks she is.

      54 COMMENTS

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      54 Comments
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      michaelrichter
      Active Member
      michaelrichter(@michaelrichter)
      3 years ago

      what a great text. ‘The soul of Zwift’ – that’s what it is. Thanks Linda. Ride on!!

      5
      Reply
      Linda Messinger
      Author
      Super Member
      Linda Messinger(@lmessinger)
      3 years ago
      Reply to  michaelrichter

      Thanks Michael! Ride on!

      3
      Reply
      Ian Johnson
      Active Member
      Ian Johnson(@chicagotat2)
      3 years ago
      Reply to  Linda Messinger

      Awesome article! What did you get from the wheel lol

      5
      Reply
      Linda Messinger
      Author
      Super Member
      Linda Messinger(@lmessinger)
      3 years ago
      Reply to  Ian Johnson

      I got the helmet and was very happy with it. I was just happy to cross that damn line LOL

      8
      Reply
      Steve Reynolds
      Steve Reynolds
      3 years ago

      Thank you for sharing your very inspirational personal experience. Congratulations on the well-earned achievement of your goal and best of luck on tackling those that you set for yourself in the future on Zwift. And of course, “Ride On!” (from a fellow 65 y/o).

      8
      Reply
      Rosco P. Coltrane
      Rosco P. Coltrane(@arkeele)
      3 years ago

      Such a beautiful and inspiring experience Linda 🙂 Thank-you for sharing !

      6
      Reply
      Terry Thompson
      Terry Thompson
      3 years ago

      Well done Linda great go in now you’ll be chasin a PB.

      3
      Reply
      Tim dODZ
      Tim dODZ
      3 years ago

      Chapeau, Linda! Ride on!

      5
      Reply
      Chuck Walker
      Chuck Walker
      3 years ago

      Great job!

      3
      Reply
      Brian Beck
      Brian Beck
      3 years ago

      Truly inspiring!!!! Ride On Linda.

      4
      Reply
      Eric laquerre
      Eric laquerre
      3 years ago

      That’s a superb story ! I love it!! Congrats on conquering adz!! I also hate hills lol! I like to go fast! I give ride on as much as I can. Everyone needs encouragement no matter what fitness level they have.

      3
      Reply
      Thomas Chew
      Thomas Chew
      3 years ago

      In many ways Linda, your story is my story. True, the details are different, but not that much different. My past history and present internal thinking and beginning Zwift experience is scary similar to yours. My attitude regarding hills…same. About 3 weeks into my Zwift experience, the first week of December 2019, I decided to tackle “Mountain Route”, see how far I could make it. To my astonishment not only did I make it to the gap, I rode all the way to the radio tower! It was at that point I decided to make the Alpe a personal goal.… Read more »

      11
      Reply
      Rob
      Rob
      3 years ago

      wow, talk about awesome, so well written and such a great story of triump, congrats!
      I just want to know who the hell is cutting the onions around here……

      10
      Reply
      Linda Messinger
      Author
      Super Member
      Linda Messinger(@lmessinger)
      3 years ago
      Reply to  Rob

      Rob, what an incredible coincidence. I am reading your comment and apparently somebody is cutting onions in my house as well 🤔

      5
      Reply
      Stefan Judex
      Stefan Judex
      3 years ago

      What a beautifully written story of triumph. We are all in the same boat, no matter what age or condition. Riding up the Alpe is always a challenge which you, Linda, have mastered like nobody else I know. Congratulations!

      4
      Reply
      Linda Messinger
      Author
      Super Member
      Linda Messinger(@lmessinger)
      3 years ago
      Reply to  Stefan Judex

      Thank you Stefan. Anyone who finishes that climb has triumphed!

      2
      Reply
      Chris
      Chris
      3 years ago

      What a great story. At 48, I’ve been battling some knee arthritis of my own. It’s still mild, but it’s enough that my days of running 40 to 60 miles per week are over. So I Zwift, and run just a bit. And when the knee acts up, I stop running for a few weeks, and Zwift more. Today I ran a 1:48 half marathon while running no more than 15 or so miles miles each week, and sometimes a lot less. Zwifting fills the gaps and gives my aching knee a chance to recover. The virtual hills help a… Read more »

      5
      Reply
      Linda Messinger
      Author
      Super Member
      Linda Messinger(@lmessinger)
      3 years ago
      Reply to  Chris

      Chris, your grandmother knew what she was talking about. Every morning my knees are very stiff and crunchy. But after five miles that’s all gone, and I am relatively pain-free the rest of the day. Stay the course, you got this!

      1
      Reply
      Redaan Adams
      Member
      Redaan Adams(@adams_redaan)
      3 years ago

      Firstly congratulations on your journey Linda. Similar to my comeback 14 years Linda junior. Anyway the point is the ‘ Journey ‘that is important and it changes one’s perspective in motivation to do anything !.

      3
      Reply
      Dennis Zimmermann
      Member
      Dennis Zimmermann(@10218843131883906_anonymous)
      3 years ago

      great one! Thanks for sharing your emotional ride 🙂
      Ride on!

      1
      Reply
      Julie Nutter
      Julie Nutter
      3 years ago

      FANTASTIC! I too have started riding Zwift! I am a 53 year old woman and your story is parallel to mine. I have been marking off as many badges as I can and I hope to do that ride soon. Thank you for such a positive story. Ride On!

      2
      Reply
      Dusty Dehare
      Dusty Dehare
      3 years ago

      I love your story. Great job! Climb on!

      2
      Reply
      Aaron Lipton
      Aaron Lipton
      3 years ago

      Awesome story! (As an aside I noticed that in one of your screenshots you were riding with someone who was vEveresting. Pretty cool!) Ride on!

      2
      Reply
      Sara Lance (L.o.T)
      Sara Lance (L.o.T)
      3 years ago

      Wow you are amazing and an inspiration and a beautiful story teller. I am going to be making my first attempt next week , thanks for making it a little bit less intimidating. Ride on

      3
      Reply
      Dusty Dehare
      Dusty Dehare
      3 years ago

      I love this!! A beautifully written and heartfelt story Linda. Your amazing spirit shines through the lines. Age is just a number. Keep pushing the boundaries and challenging your goals. Your Zwift community will be 100% behind you all they way!

      2
      Reply
      Jakub
      Jakub
      3 years ago

      Age is just a number. You are very good example of this sentence. Great job Linda!

      2
      Reply
      Will
      Will
      3 years ago

      What a great outlook. Keep it up 🙂

      2
      Reply
      Toni
      Toni
      3 years ago

      Well done!

      2
      Reply
      Oliver Radermacher
      Oliver Radermacher
      3 years ago

      I love that story. Very impressive and inspiring. Fantastic effort Linda!!!!! That’s what Zwift and lots of people are all about. I love this camaraderie and encouragment. Keep on riding – on the flats or one of those lovely hills 😀

      3
      Reply
      David Brinton
      David Brinton
      3 years ago

      Awesome!

      2
      Reply
      Carol Scott
      Carol Scott
      3 years ago

      Your words brought a tear to my eye, beautiful story and beautifully written and an awesome accomplishment. Cheers Carol

      3
      Reply
      Rolf André Bohne
      Rolf André Bohne
      3 years ago

      Fantastic story Linda! Thank you for charing. And I totally agree with you on the spirit when riding up AdZ. Sign up for the Mt. Everest Challenge – Tron Bike next? Ride on! 😎

      2
      Reply
      Linda Messinger
      Author
      Super Member
      Linda Messinger(@lmessinger)
      3 years ago
      Reply to  Rolf André Bohne

      Thank you Rolf! Once I figured out how things work, which I think was about three weeks or so in, I signed up for the Everest challenge. I’m 25% there now 😁

      2
      Reply
      Rolf André Bohne
      Rolf André Bohne
      3 years ago
      Reply to  Linda Messinger

      Way to go Linda. And although AdZ is nice, I preferred “Muir and The Mountain” for the variance when I was collecting vertical meters (and it is shorter) … Ride On!

      0
      Reply
      Zwifter
      Zwifter
      3 years ago

      Congratulations Linda and thanks for sharing your experience. I am in the senior citizen division…lol… and after reading about your journey I am inspired to give the Road to the Sky a go sooner rather than later! Ride On!

      2
      Reply
      J. Collier
      J. Collier
      3 years ago

      Very inspiring story! I hope I’m as motivated as you are at 65!

      2
      Reply
      Betty
      Betty
      3 years ago

      Dear Linda,
      So inspiring your story and beautifully written. I am a 62 yrs young woman and have been there too. The encouragement by fellow Zwifters is amazing. Thank you all so much. Keep Riding On 🙂

      2
      Reply
      Tony Perotti
      Tony Perotti
      3 years ago

      Great story! Ride on, Linda!!

      0
      Reply
      Sebastian Olivares
      Sebastian Olivares
      3 years ago

      Thanks! You inspired me to do my first Alp a couple of days ago!

      1
      Reply
      Linda Messinger
      Author
      Super Member
      Linda Messinger(@lmessinger)
      3 years ago
      Reply to  Sebastian Olivares

      Wow Sebastian, that’s great! How did you do?

      0
      Reply
      Stuart Lamonte
      Stuart Lamonte(@stuart_lamonte)
      3 years ago

      OK. I took my only ride up the ADZ, https://zwift.com/activity/31031925 , in Dec 2018, just after attaining level 12. It was so painful that I haven’t been up it since. Lately I’ve started chasing the badges and this is one of them. So since you beat my previous time by 3 minutes, but I think I’m stronger now, I’m going to give it another go and try to smash my previous time and yours! haha ps: I’m 73 at the end of June. I will be starting my ride about 15-20 minutes after this post – got to set up,… Read more »

      0
      Reply
      Luis Doriocourt
      Luis Doriocourt
      3 years ago

      That’s a great story, Linda, you may encourage this old man to try it. I nearly wimped out on Box hill. It’s pretty flat where I ride. I can’t believe how much I enjoy riding on a smart trainer with Zwift. Keep spinning and “motion is lotion” for our joints.

      0
      Reply
      sven
      sven
      3 years ago

      Linda,
      Thanks so much for contributing such an awesome article! You inspired me to try (and complete) Alpe and Epic KOM (reverse) combo ride today. Ride On!

      2
      Reply
      Thomas Chew
      Thomas Chew
      3 years ago

      Great story Linda. I’m 64 and took a shot at Alpe…took me a little over 2 hours so my goal for next time is under 2 🙂 Thank you for the inspiration!

      1
      Reply
      Stu Holtby
      Stu Holtby
      3 years ago

      Congratulations on getting up the Alpe!! Well done for trying it at all!!

      As Calvin Coolidge said: “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not: nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not: the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.”

      People like you are indeed the soul of Zwift. The heart and soul. Ride On!!

      2
      Reply
      Sven-Olof
      Sven-Olof
      3 years ago

      OK, who’s cutting onions here?

      0
      Reply
      Kwant Edo
      Kwant Edo(@e_kwant86)
      3 years ago

      Ik ben bijna 81 jaar en rijd nog mijn rondjes bij Zwift. Ik kan geen Engels , maar probeer wel,wat te lezen. Er ontgaat mij echter heel veel. Dat vind ik jammer. Maar ik geniet nog steeeds van het fietsen. In het verleden alle klassiekers gefietst en honderden fietstochten. Ik ben net herstellend van een dubbele longontsteking. Was een hele,moeilijke periode. Kan nu en mag nu weer een kwartiertje fietsen en langzaam wer opbouwen. Dus weer rustig beginnen. Veel fietsplezier. Edo .Kwant

      0
      Reply
      Glenn Bastian
      Glenn Bastian
      3 years ago

      I am 69 years old and have done Alpe du Zwift 7 times.So cograts on your first time !!!

      0
      Reply
      Jeanne Andolina
      Jeanne Andolina
      3 years ago

      As a 64 year old Zwift rider myself, I am in awe of your physical and mental strength to ride the hardest of hills. I too struggle with hills so reading about your ride has given me renewed faith in myself to forge ahead. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on your amazing accomplishment.

      0
      Reply
      Bradley Allen
      Bradley Allen(@brad-allen)
      3 years ago

      Well done Linda 👍. You are very wise and steadfast in setting yourself short and long term goals. Thanks for expressing the joy of achieving those goals and the very hard work involved. Ride on forever

      0
      Reply
      dee leuthe
      dee leuthe
      3 years ago

      Linda, I followed your example and did this ride yesterday on my 63rd birthday. I am so glad you wrote about your experience. It was motivating and encouraging.
      Ride on my sister, Ride On!

      0
      Reply
      jose perez
      jose perez
      2 years ago

      me conmovió el relato, como ciclista que eres sufridora pero con tintes de luchadora incasable,

      0
      Reply
      Phil
      Phil
      2 years ago

      Inspiring. Thanks, Linda

      2
      Reply
      Linda Messinger
      Author
      Linda Messinger(@lmessinger)
      2 years ago
      Reply to  Phil

      Thanks for taking the time to read it Phil

      0
      Reply
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