friends – Just a Girl and a Bike

I walked through the door and was instantly enthralled with the energy. The room was buzzing with excitement, and bursting with positivity. I didn’t know anyone, except the hostess for this most amazing event. I waited in line, and as I approached the ticket booth to enter, I saw her. I hadn’t seen Jessica since the first time we met, only about a month ago. She was smiling from ear to ear, full of love and sincere appreciation for every person in attendance. She greeted every single person with genuine warmth. I melted into the hug that she so willingly thrust upon me. I was so glad I had come.

Continue reading “A Fireball, A Fighter, A Friend: Jessica” →

{Welcome to my feature series on those who have inspired me on my journey. Today’s post is about a very strong, supportive and encouraging person who loves to climb mountains. She has been there riding with me and supporting me for years. If you missed My More Aggressive Twin, or Crazy Wild Infection Positivity, be sure to check them out!}

‘Oh, you are the one that my wife has been following on Strava’. This is the first thing that Karel said to me upon being introduced at one of the local bike races. ‘She would like to go riding with you’, he continued. The rest is history.

The first time I rode with Ania, I was nervous. I had seen some of her riding data, and in every picture she looked so strong, so athletic. Was I really in the same realm?

Continue reading “Racing and Climbing, Fierce and Strong: Ania” →

After being out of the saddle all week, I was eager to finally get on my bike today. When I poked my nose out the door this morning, I was greeted by a grey sky and the chilly air. It was a little disappointing after missing out on several fabulous days full of sunshine and warmth. However, I missed my bike so very much that I was determined to get out there. Continue reading “What Cycling is Really About” →

I will admit it, there have been times when I have gotten on my bike, and I did not try. It has happened. When I am riding alone, I am the only one who suffers the consequences. I have been in situations where the ride wasn’t just about my bike and me, but there was also a team aspect to it. Driven by fear of not living up to expectations, I have chosen a defeated attitude that paralyzed me from performing as well as I could have. I have learned some very important lessons from these experiences. There was one ride in particular that I recall during which my husband and I were out in the open desert, only had so much water with us, and were up against a fairly aggressive head wind. If I had stuck with him and drafted, then we both would have made it back to our vehicle within a shorter amount of time then I could make it on my own. Due to some communication breakdowns, and some lack of understanding on my part, we ended up separated during the last leg this ride. I was really battling to finish. I was so caught up with the fear of slowing him down that I chose to ride on my own. I was so blinded by my fear that I didn’t even see the support that was being offered. Continue reading “The Importance of Appreciating the People that Push You” →