Comfort

When I commute to work by bike people comment. And when they do they most often comment on aspects of comfort, mostly weather. There's a widespread notion that it has to be a nice day--not too hot or cold, it certainly can't be raining or snowing--to ride a bike. My commute is a mere 5.5 miles one way. It's mostly up hill, but can be heart breakingly beautiful. It can also be a real thrill ride--kinda like frogger--during rush hour traffic. My favorite days are the foggy or misty ones. The clouds rise from the rivers creeping over the bridges like moss on rocks. There are times when I want to call out loud--sound my barbaric yelp, perhaps.

When I first started riding again after years of not being on a bike, I was thrust back into thinking about comfort. My first ride was hellish. I made it, but could barely breathe. My ass hurt. But, once I was off the bike, landed at my final destination, I felt amazing. A little discomfort had a big pay off. Over time my idea about comfort has shifted, I'd rather be riding than driving. I like myself better on a bike. In a car I'm distracted--annoyed by drivers. On a bike I'm free and focused.

When I'm hurting on a ride, I try to just sit with it. I don't try to escape. I hear my friend Mike in my head tell me, "soft peddle, who cares how long it takes." and I settle in to the idea that maybe I'll be going up this hill for the rest of my life. Rather than hold out until its over I just settle in for the ride.