Riding

I can feel the wind wicking perspiration from my body as I speed forward. Riding is visceral. My senses are heightened, focused on what lies ahead, what’s coming from behind. Change is around every corner and nothing motivates more than change.

I am a 50-something soccer coach turned graphic designer living on New England’s scenic seacoast. I’m happy here. Whenever I feel lost or alone, no matter where I am, I need only close my eyes and think of riding along her rocky coastline to muster the courage to face what’s next.

It’s what’s next that’s both exciting and scary. A lifetime athlete and self-proclaimed Renaissance woman; I often take to my bike for leisure, competition, and escape. When I am thrown the inevitable gut punch of life, riding both soothes the soul and elevates the adrenaline (it’s also relatively knee-friendly!).

Whether off-road or racing along a paved-highway, I feel brave, strong, and in control on my bike. I ride over hill & valley and at race-end there are no records broken. The only glory that is mine is knowing that I’ve pushed my comfort zone and quieted that little voice of doubt once more.

My journey, like riding, is instinctive, but not singular in nature. I am a strong self-assured woman and every day stretch myself and my abilities. Up ahead where the road and sky meet, the line between what is real and what is a dream fades away. I ride toward this border in hopes that I may crossover — even briefly to another place and time — to cross over and see the world as I know it should be and to be the person I know I am meant to be.