For Those Who Never Thought They’d Ride a Bike
When I look back to my youth and what I did for sports, adventure, and excitement…only a few sports pop into my head. For me it was all about waterskiing, wakeboarding, kneeboarding, barefooting, and a little bit of bike riding mixed in. The one thing that I definitely did not take part in was fishing. Our family owned a cabin at a lake full of fish and we were out there all summer long, but I was just never tempted to sit in a boat with a rod in my hand. To me boats and lakes were meant for one thing only….waterskiing.
It’s funny how life revolves and you find yourself interested in things you never thought you’d ever like. For the past year, my Son and I have been taking regular fishing trips to our nearby lake and enjoying every minute of it. He loves it so much, and that’s what initially got me doing it. But I honestly have to say that I really love the calm and quiet found as we sit on the dock with our hook in the water. When we catch fish it only adds to the moment….but even when we don’t it is pure enjoyment.
Looking back to when I was younger, I never could have imagined myself ever becoming a fisherman. But now it is something that I know is good for the soul and great for my relationship with my Son.
So what about cycling? Was there ever a time in your life that cycling never even entered your thought pattern? Are you surprised at how important it is now, and how it has become part of your lifestyle? Pretty cool feeling huh? I’m glad something sparked things and that you’re now Loving the Bike.
Hmmm, this is interesting for me. I didn’t learn to ride a bike at all until I was 16 or 17 (I could drive before I could bike!), so yeah, cycling never entered my thoughts, except a few times when I was embarrassed that I couldn’t do it. I did however go fishing and waterskiing a lot as a kid and teenager. I still love to waterski, but haven’t been fishing in years. It’s definitely interesting how important cycling has become to me, for triathlon training and for commuting to and from work. 20 years ago if you’d told me I’d be a triathlete who often rides a bike to & from work I’d have said you were crazy!
It’s a great feeling isn’t it? I don’t know how to explain it, but there’s an aura or vibe that comes from someone after a great bike ride….it’s the glow of someone who just achieved something they never thought they’d ever accomplish. I love it. Thanks for sharing your story.
Always cycled, (apart from my bad time), I’ve always fished too. In fact the outdoors has always figured highly in my life. I know everyone is different and thank God for that, but I can’t imagine why some folks don’t get the joy of being outside!
It’s funny to think about this, as I didn’t think I would ever consider myself to be a cyclist. Both times my wife and I have bought bikes together, she was the one who drove it. First she wanted a mountain bike, so I got one. Eventually she wanted a roadie due to the weight drop on the mtb, and I also got one after thinking it was a silly idea at first.
At the time I got my roadie, the 2011 TDF was on and I had made a conscious decision to follow it this year, never having done so over the years. The two events combined to spark a passion in both pro cycling and cycling in general that I’d never thought I’d have.
God bless my wife! 🙂
Dan
@danunited
Hi Dan, great comments. Hey, be sure to say thanks to your wife for me. It’s great to hear that you both are able to enjoy cycling on and off the bike together. Fantastic.
How very sweet. Yes, I’m also one of those who never thought I’d call myself a cyclist. But I am.
That is so sweet. I’m very happy for you that you have taken up doing this with you son. Yes, I am one of those people who never thought I would ever consider myself a cyclist. I am now and very proud of being classified as this with my fellow riders.
Great story Darryl. My kids are grown now, but due us being so close when they were little. We are all like best friends now. They include my wife and I in most of their activities. Listen to the song by Trace Adkins – Just Fishin’. It’s about a dad and his daughter fishing. Will fit you and your son too I think.
You are really a nice guy I can tell. Can’t wait until we can meet some day.
Bethel G. Strong
@takeabike
Thanks Bethel, I appreciate your comments. Yes, we need to meet up….do you guys get over to Austin very often? Be sure to let me know when you’re making a trip over here.
Thanks for the song suggestion…..I’ll get the kids to listen to it with me.
Darryl
Yes, ever so often. I like to travel to ride my bike in different places.
I will get with you soon to see when we can ride in a event or for fun.
In June 2012 I’m going to Colorado to Ride The Rockies with Joel Phillips @reasons2ride.
email: [email protected]
972-814-0263
Thanks,
Bethel G. Strong
Thanks Bethel, let’s keep in touch and be sure to let me know whenever you’re heading this way. Hey, maybe you’d be interested in joining us on the Loving the Bike cycling trip to Bonaire. How does that sound to you? I’ll have more information on that very soon.
It’s so great that you’ll be riding with Joel in June. He’s a fantastic guy and I know you’ll have a fantastic time.