Riding a bike can be lonely. Just ask a RAAM rider or anyone who enjoys centuries, double centuries and more. Unless you’re on a professional team, ride regularly with a club, or share the workload with closely matched friends, the road is a place where you’re alone. With traffic. The sound of your heart beating. Labored breathing. And thoughts that can fill your head with exhilaration and even sometimes dread.
For anyone who’s a father and husband, riding bigger miles on the bike is the ultimate balancing act. Too much time in the saddle says the wrong thing to those you love and who are closest to you. We must be careful. Not get carried too far away with our passion. Pedal beyond reach.
After all, these are the people who matter the most. The ones who are always there. If you crash. If you flat in the dark. If you bonk. Who amaze you every day with their growth, compassion and capacity to understand.
Yes, riding has its lonely moments. And it can be filled with bouts of solo suffering. But coming home after a difficult ride to a great partner and children who fully accept and support why you ride can provide the strength of a maillot jaune. It’s the same kind of indescribable power that carries us through life and all it brings — both good and bad. A life that shapes us into the people we become and whom we aspire to be.
Today marks the 20th year of marriage for me with woman who has helped make me a better person. Without her, I’m not sure I’d still be riding my bike, and enjoying it just as much as I did when we first met in college. I doubt I’d be involved with fundraising for cancer research. Or listening as closely when my daughters have something to say. Twenty years with the woman I love dearly is the reason why today’s crave is a great partner. Be safe and Livestrong.
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Your a very wise man, and a very fortunate man, which you obviously recognize. Having the love and support of a good partner and family that understands is probably the biggest blessing a man or woman could have. When it comes to a passion for cycling, a supportive home is even more precious. So, the lesson is to remember is to be just as supportive in their endeavors as well, especially if you want to cherish and nurture the partnership. Hopefully I will get to put my words into practice someday when I meet the special person that loves me enough to let me do what I love and love me for it. Blessings to you and your wonderful bride of 20 years!
So wonderful to read this and so true! Many, many more years of blessings and love for you and your sweet wife! 20 years is a great beginning!!!
All you said applies on the other side to us girls, too. It’s great for us when we find a guy who understands about the bike, who supports and encourages in all we do off and on the bike and when the encouragement is mutual.
Best partner is someone who, when you’re with them, each person becomes more than they would have alone. Encouraging each other to follow all our creative passions and being there for each other through all the ups and downs is what life’s all about.
Janet, thanks for stopping by and provided such nice words and thoughts. You’re fortunate to have a partner who knows how much cycling means to you. Best wishes on the roads and in love. JB