Cycling gives you as much as you give it. Put something in. Get something back. No questions asked. It happens. You can’t force it. Ride in a pace line like the strongest of domestiques, and you enjoy protection from the elements when you rotate to the back. Go up a climb at heartrate or lactate threshold, and you reach 50 mph on the descents. Get tossed by a headwind on the way out, and you fly on the friendliest tailwind on the way in. Cycling payback. For every ride there’s at least one. The best rides are filled with many. You lose count.
Sure, there can be plenty of suffering, pain and the bonk in cycling. Work really hard, you might end up seeing stars as you find the red zone. Anything worth the effort can hurt you, if you go outside your comfort level. Fall down. Get up. Shatter. Recover. Crack. Pick up the pieces. Get stronger. Because this isn’t pure lounging, right? This is riding toward your goals. This is cycling to a new plateau. Finding a way to get it done. You’ll see a valley or two or more on the way there. But the cycling payback is among the best in sport. And life.
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m not worthy. Well written. I like the art too – great pic.
You just helped me make up my mind. I’m doing hill repeats again this morning.
Even when it doesn’t pay you back with a tail wind, or a sweet descent, or a glorious free ride in well organized paceline; cycling always pays you back with interest in how you feel, stress reduction, the people you meet, and time in the great outdoors.
Tim, glad you like it. And happy that you’re out on the hills of ATX.
Steve, you’re 100% accurate on the other intangibles. I need me some this weekend
Thanks for stopping by BC…