Happenstance: Life on a Bike

Seeing images of cyclists and the incredible places they travel is so energizing. I'm a week away from my trial ride, and I'm far from well-trained. I became sick with a respiratory illness, making it incredibly difficult to breathe deeply, so I took time off. I also find that life is just getting in the way of a regular training schedule, including my work as a birth doula. So, with my +180-mile ride coming up, I am prepared to work really hard as I cycle for a few days and camp for a couple nights. 

I've been thinking about how often I'd like to ride and how I'm going to improve my health and stamina, but so far I haven't really pushed myself to meet what goals I have set. With the ride eight months away, it feels like I'll have time to get there, when really, I should be in the process now. If not to ready my body for the challenge, but because I really do enjoy being on my bike and riding longer distances.

As the weather gets cooler, I'll also be figuring out how to stay warm enough during rides, staying safe on slick roads, and finding motivation to get outside instead of staying curled up with my family. With all that said, this is a process, a journey. I don't think there's one right way to do it, and I'm certain when I'm finished, I'll see all the ways I could've done better. But for now, my focus is on my ride coming up, and that feels like a good place to be.  

Also, this is one of the films I've enjoyed about long-distance cycling. I hope you do, too!