8 . My long-distance cycling career of 13 years and 35, 000 kilometres ended as I approached 75. Although I am now no longer strong enough to _________ the long days and big climbs, day in and day out, I have my memories.
The road behind is just memories, some soon to be forgotten, others to be _________ and enhanced with the retelling. A 6000-kilometre cross-country ride initially appears _________, but, once done, it is simply done, much like the challenges that life _________.
Real _________ would come when I was alone on my bicycle. I enjoyed meeting and even _________ the daily targets I had set for myself. I enjoyed the technical challenges faced by tire bursts and loose handlebars, but _________ not at that time. I loved cycling with a strong tailwind pushing me along and hated _________ into a strong headwind. I loved striking up conversations with a diversity of people and sincerely appreciated the support and comfort they _________.
Long distance cycling brings unbearable exhaustion, long hours of anxiety, even fear and desperation, but these __________ into insignificance, compared to the joy and __________ of climbing huge mountains or seeing fantastic sights for the first time. The experiences add newness and __________ to my life and the memories are __________.
Most importantly, cycling taught me to know myself better. It eventually dawned on me that I had more __________ and courage than I ever imagined. The self-awareness and long-lasting memories will give me enormous __________ as I carry on my life journey.
1. A.appreciate | B.choose | C.expect | D.stand |
2. A.treasured | B.explored | C.created | D.discussed |
3. A.boring | B.annoying | C.confusing | D.discouraging |
4. A.overcomes | B.greets | C.throws | D.ignores |
5. A.loneliness | B.joy | C.convenience | D.panic |
6. A.making | B.changing | C.beating | D.finalizing |
7. A.reasonably | B.admittedly | C.fortunately | D.hopefully |
8. A.battling | B.slipping | C.falling | D.wandering |
9. A.owned | B.offered | C.mentioned | D.promised |
10. 11. A.reflection | B.anticipation | C.satisfaction | D.motivation |
12. A.secrets | B.rules | C.decisions | D.dimensions |
13. A.reliable | B.flexible | C.inaccessible | D.unforgettable |
14. A.toughness | B.curiosity | C.imagination | D.wisdom |
15. A.insight | B.knowledge | C.power | D.admiration |