The truth and the bike.

We are all guilty of it.

We get entrenched in the monotony of the bike.  We get to our group rides, we pedal, we suffer, we blow snot, we stare at the wheel in front of us, we tough it out, we train.  I love the grit and the romance.  It has almost a cathartic rhythm to it all.

I love the predictable nature my training lends me.  I love my roads, I love my potholes, and I love my routine.  I clip in, I ride, I get stronger, I clip out.   Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy the morning bun and cappuccino as much as the next person, and there is nothing as stunning as the views here in Sonoma County, but I also like the grit.  Grit, views, and a pastry along with good company.  Perfect combination.

no one makes me smile like my sister

What about the joy?

Not that sense of elation from clocking an interval, or the endorphin high post group ride.  Not that sense of relief for cresting a mountain, or finishing your ride.  That absolute sense of simple giggles, happiness, and child like grin that your bike brings you.  That smile.  The smile that flows from your face to your very being.

I ride on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.  Do you know what my favorite days are?  Saturdays and Sundays.  When the weekend warriors are out in full force.  When you see more bikes than cars.  When you hear “hellos” from people that don’t shave their legs, have any kind of bike with bells and whistles, and a neon yellow jacket.  And then you see it.  You see that smile.  That pure smile that only means one thing.  Utter joy.  You can’t help but giggle.  You can’t help but love every second of it.  it doesn’t matter if you are turning squares or circles.  It doesn’t matter if you are riding for 12 miles or 100 miles.  You are on your bike, and you are happy.  You are overjoyed.  You are free again.  You are a child again.  You are grinning ear to ear.  There isn’t grit, there is just happiness.  I like that joy.  I like Saturdays and Sundays because I see people on their bikes just happy to be out there.  It reminds me how fortunate I am all the other days of the week.  Yes, I am guilty of forgetting this simple joy from time to time.  I love the reminder.

I am flying.

The truth will set you free, but so will the bike.

 

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