Why do I ride? What an intriguing question, and what interesting answers by the club members. Its good to see “why you ride?” It gives me insight on character, and motivation. I have not been riding for more than four years, but remembering back to all the friends we’ve met, and their particular characteristics, I think I’m now able to understand why they rode in the manner in which they did.

Is this the real question though, “why do I ride?” I’ve been thinking of this for awhile, and it’s a very hard question. Some might say, because I was dating the cycling instructor. Others may see me running from something. Or could I be trying to prove something to myself, or fit an image that isn’t really me.

In any case, I guess it comes down to how I feel when I ride. When I’m climbing hills, jumping logs and roots, or catching the air after a deep descent on my trail bike, I feel like I’m an adolescent again. I get to feel the terrain under my feet, see the world as God once created it, and imagine myself in another place and time.

When I’m riding the road, I’m racing against myself and time, hoping to be riding along someone as we approach the next hill. Can I take them, or have I miss calculated their timing or conditioning. As I clock in the hours on the road, I have thoughts and images, racing through my head. Where is the next turn, are the other riders safe, are we out-riding our abilities?

I guess I can honestly say I ride because I can. What a wonderful gift from God to be able to enjoy His creation and share what little I know about cycling, with the great people I meet. What good is any gift, any delightful or enjoyable thing, if you have no one to share it with.

For those experienced roadies or trail riders I challenge you to ask yourself “why do I ride?” Remember back to the first time someone took you in under their wings and showed you their skill, and helped you develop your own. What a precious gift not to share with others. People ask me all the time why give up your training to help others. They also wonder how I’m able to teach the beginners and if I’m missing out on ‘training’ with the faster groups.

There would be no place I’d rather be, then watching someone I’ve taught how to climb, accelerate, and position themselves in a group, pass others on the road with a strength and confidence. Its nice to remember back to when they first rode, and how intimated they were. Ok, so maybe no one I’ve trained has gotten there yet, but perhaps some day…