To Be a Cyclist
I've ridden bikes my whole life, but it isn't until recently that I've started to feel like a legitimate cyclist. There seemed to be so many barriers to entry, from the gear, to the tech, to the bike itself. And then the time commitment!
But I started taking it more seriously over the past two years and followed my neighbor out to group rides and longer riding days. I bought a super light endurance bike, new kit, and more recently, a computer and power meter pedals (thanks babe).
On a recent trip to San Francisco, I was lucky to spend some time exploring the city on a bike. The weather was perfect; blue skies, sun, and little wind. In anticipation of attempting Hawk Hill, a longer climb than I was used to, I spent a lot of time watching videos of the route and doing some hill specific interval training. Thanks to Daniel, not only was I able to complete the climb, but I spent the next hour bombing hill after hill across the Marin Headlands into Sausalito.
There was a lot of anxious build-up to this, and the result felt like a culmination of many things. Training, research, effort definitely. But also appreciation; for Cathy and her support of this time and money hungry sport. Daniel (pictured above), for his encouragement and patience. My neighbor Brian, for getting me back into this in a serious way.
My introverted tendencies would have me doing all of these activities alone, and I still do, but the community is where it really shines. I've figured out a way to carry my camera with me, and I've been enjoying taking it out for group rides too.
I learn something new with every ride, and I'm certainly still in the honeymoon phase, but I'm just so grateful for the opportunity to be a cyclist.