Bikelove or Bikerlove?

On several of the million occasions I’ve hobbled into work or school after a long ride, hard crash, or other bike-related exhaustion or soreness, I’ve been asked “you’re crazy, how can you possibly keep doing that day after day?” I’m sure you’ve all had similar experiences — after a freezing ride when you’re red-faced for the rest of the weekend, after a 14 hour drive home from Minnesota, after getting up at 4 am just to squeeze a short ride in on the trainer in the midst of a crazy day…

Why do we keep riding?

I love my bike. I really do. I love looking at it, thinking about it, cleaning it, putting new components on it, adjusting it, talking about it, (bragging about it)…

I love riding. I really do. I love the freedom, the ability to truly see and experience new places, the feeling of going fast and flying along the road, the feeling of going slow and just enjoying the day, trying to learn new things, trying to conquer new terrain or distances, learning new disciplines – track, cross, racing, etc….

I love racing. I really do. I love the competition, the nerves, the celebration, the disappointment, the feeling of elation when it all comes together, the wondering of who’s going to do what next, the excitement when you’re the one doing something next, the travel, the crowds, the payouts …

But most of all… I love cyclists. And that’s what I say each and every time I’m asked why I spend so much time on my bike. We’re a unique breed – people who embrace complete dorkiness and wear spandex everywhere. People who discuss watts and grams and grade and hours and miles for hours on end. But cycling – unlike any other sport I’ve experienced – has a unique community of supporters that makes me want to keep getting on my bike day after day. People — even your competitors — who truly want to see you improve, offer insight, share their experiences, and help you get and keep that bikelove feeling.

In my short years on the bike…

I’ve had a cyclist offer me his expensive carbon frame to test out in a race when I was shopping for a new bike (I declined — I’m sure some of you can imagine why — but did ride it on a training ride and bought the same model).

I’ve had a cyclist, a complete stranger, encourage me during a training ride and convince me to come on the XL loop instead of just the L loop and ride with the fast guys.

I’ve had a group of cyclists put me on an email ride list and invite me on regular training rides around the city.

I’ve had a cyclist give me a bag full of team clothes so that I wasn’t the only one riding with the “fast group” in a Nashbar jersey and black shorts.

I’ve had a group of cyclists invite us to stay in their spring break rental house so that we could go somewhere warm to train.

I’ve had a cyclist give me special time, attention, sets, and “encouragement” not to quit motorpacing on the track before nationals.

I’ve had a cyclist transition from a grumpy old man, to a good friend, to a pretty much full-time coach who pushes me (and sometimes drags me) farther forward than I’d ever gotten on my own.

I’ve shared beers, hot cider, pizza at Greek Tony’s, pasta at a variety of restaurants, waterbottles, laughs, tears, stories, and fun with innumerable individuals as a result of my love for cycling.

I could go on…

When the days are shorter, darker, colder, sorer…. it’s not just a love for the bike that keeps me going. It’s all of you. I’m so proud now to be a part of Team Rev — an incredible organization that spreads not only bikelove, but bikerlove throughout Missouri, Indiana, Florida, Nebraska, and each and every place we visit.

Tags: bikelove, coco

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