Bike friends

Bike friends. They’re invaluable. You may not always realize it. But without them, you’re a single rider, exposed to the elements and all the road can bring, both good and bad. Bike friends can make a ride at least twice as good as you thought possible — no matter the route or weather conditions. They can make you laugh. They can make you cry when the humor gets so good it turns to slap-happiness. During times of pedaling silence, the communication among Bike friends can be more powerful than words. A nod of the head. The gesture of a hand. The perfect line chosen on a sketchy descent. Each act says something unique. I was fortunate to ride Saturday morning with Bike friends in San Diego. During the 4+ hours, I made mental notes to write down here. Bike friends:

1. Share the work
2. Point out danger
3. Lend you tools
4. Provide mechanical support worthy of any pro team
5. Plan rides that give absolute enjoyment
6. Hand you a dollar bill for a ”boot” when tire sidewalls fail
7. Encourage you to do your best
8. Tell great Jens jokes
9. Buy you a cup of fantastic coffee
10. Listen, teach — and always find ways to inspire each other

Bike friends. There’s nothing else like them. These are the people who may have been strangers a month ago, but today seem like a brother, a sister, or part of an extended family. That’s because in all likelihood, they are. Bike friends make up a global Bike family, one that has its own nuances, codes and edicts. And local Bike families are those with whom you most closely bond. Bike friends. I can’t thank you enough. But I’ll keep trying.

If I could say one thing today, it’s this: Be sure to thank your Bike friends, wherever they are, whenever you ride again next. You can never have too many Bike friends, or be one enough times to others. I swear to you. Bike friends. They’re invaluable.

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Tagged as: bikecrave, cycling, lifestyle, relationships, san diego, ultra distance cycling