The Girl, On The Bike

I rode with a bunch of mates who were all about the same fitness level as myself. This was my first contact with an athlete, but not just an athlete, a champion. We took the road through Avondale, New Lynn and out through Titirangi. As we neared the summit she stopped to let me catch up. I came to rest beside her as she gulped down a drink.

Again, I was struggling and emptied the contents of my water bottle. She gave me a sad look. "Sorry, this isn't much fun for you, is it? I should have thought before suggesting it."

"Hey, its okay. Whatever you do, don't slow down for me. I'll catch up somewhere."

She leaned over and gave me a hug. "All right then. Lets go."

At least the next section was downhill. I celebrated the downhill, but at the back of my mind was the realisation we had to ride back through this, it was going to be uphill, and I was already feeling it.

It's a lovely ride through the bush-lined road. Very beautiful, but my body hurt and that made it difficult to embrace the beauty. I was focused on staying as close as I could to Sarah. I think she eased up a bit as we neared the beach. We rode in side by side.

Piha, is probably the most iconic of New Zealand's surfing beaches, and today, it was packed. There were people everywhere; the ocean was alive with surfers.

We stopped at the beach-front restaurant for food and drinks. I needed the drink more than anything.

Afterwards, our bodies replenished, we wandered down to the beach.

The ride home was worse than I expected, walking along the beach, my body sold my head a line of crap, insinuating we were up for it. Unfortunately, once we were back on the bikes, the reality set in quickly. It was uphill, and steep. Sarah was gone easily. There was no way I could stick with her. She disappeared into the distance, and I didn't see her again until I crested the hill for the descent.

"Holy shit, Ross. Are you going to be okay? You look shot."

Sucking in deep life preserving lungs full of oxygen. I replied. "I'm okay, don't wait for me. I'll catch up. If not, there's a spare key under the potted plant by the front door."

She grimaced. "Are you sure, I could just ride with you."

"Nope, don't wait for me; you need to go hard, well, go hard."

She leaned off her bike, and kissed me. "Keep your liquids up. Don't drink too much at once, but keep them up."

She was gone in a flash, and although the next section was downhill, I needed to catch my breath. It was ten minutes before I was ready. It was hard; Jesus it was tough. My body ached, my muscles burned. I thought I was relatively fit. That misconception was now well and truly buried. This was a whole new level of hurt.

When I got home, Sarah was already there and she was in the shower. When she saw me leaning against the door, struggling for breath, she threw open the door and dragged me in. She took me by surprise, and I was standing under the boiling hot jets as she helped me get out of my riding gear. The Lycra, now wet, stuck to my body like glue.

We both laughed as she struggled to get me naked.

The feeling of her wet soapy body pressed against me made the memories of the ride vanish. Everything was now right with the world.

She soaped my body, using the big sponge, then used her body to rub it in. She had the coffee made when I staggered out. "Holy shit, what a ride," I groaned, as I slid onto the stool by the breakfast bar.

"Yeah, it was a good workout. I enjoyed it."

"All right for you, I'm buggered."

She sniggered, "Yeah, I noticed. Going to be an early night for all the wrong reasons, aye?"

"Like hell, I'm not that shattered. I shall fulfil, eagerly, my obligations as lover."

"Obligations, aye?"

"Sorry, that came out wrong." I apologised quickly. "I was trying to say, nothing would please me more than taking you to bed for a night of unbridled, passionate lovemaking."

With a smile, she replied, "Now that sounds much better." As she stared at me she added, "Ross, I have to hit the road again tomorrow, and I have a session at the pools. Are you up for another ride?"

Shaking my head, I sighed deeply. "Sorry, I think it would be better for you if I stayed home. It's not that I don't want to go, I just don't want to hold you back."

She leaned in for a sweet kiss, before saying, "So long as you're cool. I'll be up early, probably gone by eight."

"Eight," I gasped. "Shit, you're definitely going alone."

As promised, when I got up in the morning, she was gone. I used the day to catch up on housework and mowing lawns. God, bloody hell that was tough. My muscles still ached. I was starting to get an understanding of how much dedication was required by these top-flight athletes.

I decided to make a nice dinner, figuring she would like something light. I pan fried a couple of nice salmon steaks, cut thick with a ginger, lemon, garlic and vinegar marinade.

I made some oven-roasted chips, seasoned with Cajun spices, and to go with that, a nice garden salad.

I wasn't sure what time she would be there, or even if she was coming. If not, then I was going to have a nice lunch to take to work the net day.

I heard her pull up about five-thirty, which worked out perfectly for dinner.

"Wow, holy hell, that smells great," she called from the front door as she closed it. She drifted into my arms, and we kissed, a delicious mouth-watering kiss.

"Oh you've been cheating, I can taste it on your lips. Am I late?"

"No, your timing is impeccable. I'm the chef, so I'm allowed a taste."

The meal was nice, and we talked about her ride and swim session. Tomorrow, it was the gym. Damn, she had a very hectic life.

I didn't see her again until Wednesday night. We talked a fair bit on the phone, lots of text messages. It was a bit of a sad night. She was flying out for Brisbane the next day.

The lovemaking was torrid, filled with passion. God she was insatiable, not that I was complaining, although it surprised me. My previous girlfriends had never had a sexual appetite like this.

We shared a final kiss as I headed for work. In the weekend, I managed to find a New Zealand cycling site that carried results.

Sarah finished fourth. I know that sounds bad, but the field consisted of the top ten riders in the world, mostly Eastern Europeans and Americans. She beat out all the Australians and the other three Kiwi's. Shit, she was definitely going to the Comm games after a result like that.

I watched the late evening news, and there was some video footage of her race. About eleven, she called. Her voice was full of excitement. "Did you see the results?" she gushed.

"Yeah, congrats are in order. Well done."

"Missed the podium by three hundredths of a second. Pissed me right off."

"Never mind, babe. It's a great result."

"Ross, I'm going to be home Tuesday. Could I stay with you?"

"Absolutely. I would love it, but what about your parents? What will they say?"

"I've sort of told them about you. Mum is dying to meet you. Dad, as you can guess, was not quite so happy." She giggled a little, as she added, "He's waiting to meet you, as well, but that's more for the interrogation part of the interview."

"Interview, what..."

"Oh, he does that to all my boyfriends. Don't worry, it's painless, well, apart from the thumbscrews, that is."

"Whoa there, did you say boyfriend?"

"I was sort of hoping, yes. I was hoping you might be interested."

"Sheesh, talk about confident."

"Ross, I know I can be a bit forceful. I don't have time for mucking around. I like you, and i hoped you felt the same way."

"Slow down, Sarah. I was making a joke. Of course I feel the same way. I'm ecstatic."

Her phone cut out as we chatted. I was left reeling. Holy shit. Everything had moved so fast.

She was only home a few days, and then she was off to Invercargill for the Southland race.

On her return, I was dragged off to meet her parents, which was scary, but nice. We got on pretty well, considering. It was full on, her life was a never ending roller-coaster.

A few weeks later, and she was off to Europe. It was hard to keep up. When she returned, we got a little window where we managed to spend some time together. We had a party so I could introduce her to all my friends and family. We had a few barbecues, social functions. All my mates told me I was punching way above my weight.

They were just jealous. It was the build up for the team selection for the Commonwealth games, and Sarah was as nervous as I had ever seen her. She wanted that so much.

When her name was announced, she just about went through the roof. She was straight on the phone to her parents, her teammates, her coach. I, of course, was doing the same, I rang my parents and mates.

Later that night after we made love and were lying together, she said matter of factly, "Ross, you have to come. I want you there with me."

"I'm glad you said that. I've been checking air fares for the last week. Sarah, you couldn't keep me away if you tried."

We hugged tightly, and she whispered. "Ross, I love you so much."

"I love you too, babe. God, I can't believe it, the Comm games."

"Yeah, my head's spinning. Everybody's been saying I was going. It's not until you hear your name though. Now its real."

As we talked logistics, she said, "Babe, I can't travel with you. I have to go with the team. You do realise that?"

"Yeah, I guessed that would be the case."

"My parents already told me they would be going if I got selected. Perhaps you could travel with them?"

"Oh god, a twelve hour flight with your dad. Jesus, that's a hell of an interrogation."

"Stop it. He likes you."

The games were in London, and it was damned expensive, but what can you do? The love of your life is representing your country. You put everything on hold and go.

It was a fabulous trip, and Sarah won gold in her main race, and bronze on her less-favoured track event. Still, a good haul, and she was a happy girl.

I got to spend a lot of time with her parents, and we bonded pretty well. Her father and I managed to become friends.

On returning home, there was the sort of blue period. Sarah felt a little deflated after the highs of London, but it was to be expected.

We had become more than boyfriend and girlfriend. She had pretty much moved in with me, and that was going great. She started to buy bits and pieces for the house.

Unexpectedly, she received an invitation to ride a couple of road events in Europe. She was to become part of a team, and would have to stay for two months. The money was too good to pass up, and she was ready. In fact, she needed competition to lift her out of the blues.

It was all pretty exciting, and she was gone in no time. You read all these stories about how hard it is to manage long distance romances. Well, it's all true, and it's even more difficult if you are only a new couple.

We talked every night; we video chatted. There were constant text messages. It's just not the same. I missed her. After having her in my life for such a short time, it was hard losing her.

When she finally got home, we were like newly-weds. We made love like we had been apart for years, not months. Life returned to normal for a few weeks, but then she was gone again. This time to Japan. It was a country I had always wanted to visit, so I took some leave and we made a short holiday out of it. That's when I decided to propose.

I did all the right things; I talked to her parents, bought the most expensive engagement ring I could afford. I got down on one knee and said those time honoured words. "Sarah, will you marry me?"

Her yes, came as a squeaky piercing shriek. "Yes."

Things sort of went off the rails after that. The world championships were coming up. She got offers from Australia, America, Germany. This time, she was gone for months. It started to get difficult. It's bloody hard to maintain a relationship over distance. There was no questioning the love, or commitment; it was just being separated all the time. I reached a point where I couldn't see a way forward. I didn't want to live like that.

She was home for a two week period, and I took that chance to confront her. I waited until she had been home a week. We managed to reacquaint ourselves, and we had settled into life together.

"Sarah, we need to talk. This is going to sound harsh, but I need to know how you see this working? I hate the fact you're never here. I do love you, I just need to know how you see the future panning out?"

She seemed taken aback by my outburst. "Wow, I didn't realise you felt this way. Why didn't you say something?"

"Because, I didn't want to fight over the phone."

"Are we fighting?"

"I think so."

"Ross, you knew what my life was like when we met. I want to make the most of my opportunities while I have them. God, we're young. We have time."

"I know that, honey. I just get sick of not having you around. I want you here. Surely we can compromise, take less overseas obligations. I mean, with the worlds coming up, you're going to be gone for a while. Why not cut back a little before you go?"

"I can't, Ross. I need the work. Not just for the money, but the competition. I've been doing well because I'm used to riding in different countries and environments. That's why they want me. If I'm going to win that world championship. I need all the practise I can get."

"Yeah, okay. I get that, Sarah, but what about when you get back. Take a few months off."

"Ross, babe. I can't. This is my time. Most athletes get a small window. I'm smack in the middle of mine right now. I need to maximise it. Shit, babe, it's a long time in retirement. Once that door closes, then we can do all the other stuff. Have our wedding, children. I want it all, babe. All I'm asking is wait, give me a chance to win while I can."

It all made sense, and I couldn't argue with her. She had always been honest with me about her dreams and aspirations.

It was a rough few days, but we got through it. Then, just like that, she was gone again, and all my misgivings came home to rest. The build up to the world champs was the worst. She was gone for months.

Fair enough, it ended with her winning a world championship. When she got home, we celebrated with a huge party. She was now a celebrity, and everybody wanted their pound of flesh. It seemed every night there was another dinner, another function, charity event. We were never home.

I felt it; we were drifting. Once that first crack opens, others follow close behind. I hated it. Not the functions, but the fact we were never able to just settle into a routine. I guess I wanted to settle down and have kids, and she wanted to jet-set around the world.

It came to a head when she received an invitation to race in several races in the USA. Yes, they were class events, and the financial incentives were great, but I couldn't do it. We were just getting used to being back together as a couple. When she mentioned she had received the invitation. I said. "Don't go, Sarah. Say no. There will be others."

"What do you mean, 'say no?' Ross, this is huge, did you see how much money they were offering? No way can I turn that down."

"Sarah, if you go. I won't wait. I'm sick of us living like this. I know I thought I'd be okay with it. The truth is, I'm not. I want you here with me."

"So, you want me to turn my nose up at what is essentially the best money I have ever been offered?"

"In a nutshell, yes."

"Sorry, Ross, but I can't. We have talked about this. I want to go. I need to go."

"If you do, you may as well move all your stuff out now, because I don't want you back here."

She flung her arms in the air, she paced around giving me the evil eye. "Ross, this is ridiculous. It's our future. Think about the money."

"Sarah, I don't care about the money. All I care about is having you here with me. Christ, there's plenty of local events you can do. There's Australia. I can go with you that way."

"No, this is too big. I need to do it while I can. Don't you trust me or something? Is this jealousy?"

"What? Of course not. I have never questioned your loyalty. It's a lifestyle thing. I want you here."

"I think it is jealousy. Come on, Ross, this is silly. You can't be serious?"

"Deadly serious. If you go, then we're through, in fact there's no sense waiting. You can move out now, before you go."

She gave me the most evil angry glare. "Ross, if I walk out that door, I'm not coming back."

It was her line in the sand, and stupidly, I was angry enough to say. "Good, because I think we are pretty much done."

She ripped off her engagement ring and flung it at me. "Fine, you may as well have this back as well. Fuck you, Ross. You petty infantile jerk. I thought you were going to stand beside me, support me."

"I bloody well have been, and I still want to. Just not from the other side of the planet. I'm not saying don't go, all I'm saying is let's be choosy, spend at least half your time here."

"Stick it up your arse, Ross. I thought you were the one, I bloody love you, and this is what I get? Ultimatums and childish boundaries. Fuck you. I'm not living like that."

She walked out, slamming the door behind her. The sound of that slamming door spelt the end of our relationship. The next day, her father turned up with a trailer to pick up her stuff. He gave me a sad look. "I'm sorry Ross. She can be bloody stubborn when she puts her mind to it."

"Yeah, you're not wrong, it's probably why she's so successful. She is so determined and bloody minded."

"Yeah, look son. Don't close the door on her completely. I know she loves you. That probably sounds a bit trite, but you better believe me. She spent the whole night crying on her mother's shoulder. For what its worth, I've never seen her like this."

"I never doubted she loved me, I never questioned that. All I want is her to slow down a bit. I don't mind her travelling, but shit, would it hurt her to spend some time here so we can ground our relationship?"

"She's stubborn, Ross, always has been. She's got to learn that she has to give a little as well. She has never really been in a relationship before. I have to say, it surprised Ellen and me how quickly you two fell into your relationship."

As we started loading her stuff onto the trailer, he said, "Ross, I think part of the problem is, you moved too quickly, son. You went from casual friends to living together. I see your point, but you have to understand. This time is important to her. She will never get these chances again."

"Sorry to argue, sir, but she will have plenty of time. She's in a hurry, I get that. I don't expect her to give up her career. All I want is some time together. What's the point in having a girlfriend, slash fiancee, you never see?"

After loading all her stuff, we ended with a man hug.

Her career was in top gear. She won the world championship that year. She was in high demand for cycling teams around the world. I followed her successes through the media.

Me, I moved on. I went back to dating. Having been in the spotlight with Sarah, I found finding dates a little easier than previously. I guess there was just something missing. Sarah set the bar pretty high.

Training with Sarah improved my fitness and ability on the bike to such a level that I blew all my mates away. I even did a little competitive cycling. Life was okay, just a little empty.

I was reading the newspaper headlines when I saw a leading New Zealand athlete had been charged with importing steroids. New Zealand is a pretty small place, and even though the person charged with the drug importation was given name suppression, rumours were already circulating about who it was. A couple of the guys at work asked if it was Sarah.

It sounded preposterous, but she had only recently returned from Europe. It got me thinking, I checked her social media sites, and there was no mention, no suspicious postings.