Last night my mom called me to tell me when she would swing by to pick me up for my brothers’ basketball game. A little while after we hung up I realized that I didn’t need a ride, this game wasn’t in some far off city, it was in a nearby town that I know well. I think I floored her when I called her back to tell her that I would bike to the game, she still doesn’t understand that I genuinely like to bike places.
It always feels awkward going somewhere dressed to the nines in my biking gear, but I was able to slip into the bathroom quickly and change into normal attire. Holding one of my little nieces during the game was super fun. Watching my brothers lose the game after a valiant first half was not so fun.
After the game I changed back into my somewhat damp outfit and got back on the road. I had not traveled far when a truck pulled over in front of me and a family friend who had watched the game motioned me to stop. He tried to convince me to throw my bike in his pickup.
“It is so cold out. Where are you headed?”
“Just back to my apartment.”
“Ha! That is over 10 miles, let me give you a lift.”
I attempted to pacify him by stating that I was not cold, that I love biking in
winter and that I would be just fine. He was not buying it. His frustration was obvious, why couldn’t I just be a normal person and do normal people things like ride in a car?
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity I was able to bike on. But during my ride I thought about what normal people doing normal people things may miss out on while rushing home in their heated cars.
They miss the clear, black sky with the stars dangling so close to earth.
They miss the happy crunch of studded tires through ice and snow.
They miss a time of calm reflection.
They miss the simple joy of watching the glittering snow.
They miss breathing in the crisp cold air.
They miss the warmth of muscles working together to climb a hill.
They miss the exhilaration of coasting down a giant hill.
They miss the sound of the wind rushing past their ears.
They miss the peace of a landscape covered in white.
They miss the little bunny tracks sprinkled alongside the road.
They miss the feeling of well-being that comes after a hour long ride.
You can’t pry me off my bike, I would miss out on too much.
Nice post. I wish I had the courage to cycle in the cold!
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It doesn’t take much courage, it does however take many layers.
I wish I had the courage to train as hard as you do! 🙂
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Awesome Bri! If only I were 40 years younger, I would be right there with you!
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Amen, sister. Are you sure you’re not a Buddhist?
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Pretty sure, I will let you know when I am done gazing at the snow out my window. Just to warn you it could be awhile.
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Nice post. I bike all year but not in the snow. You deserve a lot of credit. You’re tough.
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Thanks Gary. I hope that I am as dedicated to biking and staying active as you are years from now. You inspire me to make this a life long journey.
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I have no doubt you will. If you cycle in the winter and enjoy it, you will keep it up for a long time.
You have inspired me to do planks regularly. They are harder than i expected.
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All of those feelings, except for the snow, maybe next year, is why I got addicted last July. I can not ride until Saturday this week and it can’t come soon enough!
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It is odd how addictive biking becomes, that pull to get out of the house and pedal can be overwhelming.
Have a great ride on Saturday!
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I would give this a thousand likes! The hubby & I were just talking about this the other day. Ditto to several things on your list and here are a few of ours.
If I drove a car I would miss out on:
Rain sprinkles on my face,
The sound of leaves crunching under my tires,
Riding through a puddle (with fenders of course),
The sound of our city,
The chance to greet pedestrians or fellow cyclists,
Seeing bunnies running across the trail,
The sound of birds in the trees,
and on and on.
I get asked by well meaning friends all the time if I need a ride. They just don’t get it.
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Thank you for sharing your list! In a way it is quite comical-all these people trying to rescue us from our bikes, when we are out having a blast, glad to not be cooped up in a car.
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You nailed it. Winter riding is loads of fun.
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Great post! Many days the cold keeps me riding inside, but your description of the ride has inspired me to rethink staying on the trainer! Thanks for the inspiration.
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Wow, your comment made my day.
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