What can a bike teach you?
A lesson in living
Hello friend,
I cruise out of the driveway, sun on my face, helmet in place, gripping the handlebars, ready for the ride. The ride out is mostly downhill, and the wind whooshes past my ears. “Wheee.”
I make this trip several days a week. Nine to ten miles winding through neighborhood streets, up and down hills, past barking dogs, the occasional dead armadillo, lawnmowers, runners, and buzzards enjoying breakfast.
Smooth sailing until . . . I reverse the trek and head home, uphill.
The last treacherous mile. No exaggeration.
I’m not an Olympic bike contender. I ride to clear my head, enjoy the outdoors, and burn a few hundred calories. The ride makes me feel good—until.
I struggle up that last hill, pushing down on the pedals with all the strength I can muster, breathing hard, heart pounding.
The lesson. What have I learned about this hurdle? My bike and I have tackled this hill for over ten years. It should get easier, right?
Well, yes and no. No, the hill remains constant and the only path home. Yes, I’ve learned a few things over the years.
When pedaling uphill, a difficult hill, you can’t stop moving. No matter how hard it is to push down the pedal, you MUST keep moving.
Life is like that.My bike has 27 gears. Use them. Keep your legs moving consistently and at a steady pace.
Help is always out there. Ask for it.On the other side of that hill is the downward slope. Take a deep breath.
It’s okay to coast occasionally. Rest.
Life has ups and downs. Curves and obstacles jump into our path. We see a few ugly things along the way, but we also enjoy beauty and tight hugs.
Today, I will get back on that bike, glide through the wind, push up that same hill, and keep moving.
Bikes and excellence: what do they have in common?
Thanks to my faraway pen pal, writer best friend, Selma, for sending another lesson that made me smile: The Watermelon Lesson.
Every ride needs a song: “Wheels” by Foo Fighters, “Spinning Wheels” from Blood, Sweat, and Tears, and the lament of “Broken Bicycles” by Tom Waits.
“Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of riding a bike.”
— John F. Kennedy
"When I was younger I asked my dad how many hills were left towards the end of the ride, he would reply: It’s all downhill. Except for the uphill bits."
—Tom Cullen
“It’s only a hill, get over it.”
—Tim Badger
If you want to read more from me, visit my website. I’ll be there waiting for you.
With gratitude,
Kathryn
I always welcome your thoughts, so, please leave a comment or click the little heart.
Thanks for reading. Feel free to forward this weekly note to someone who would enjoy a few words of inspiration.
Or if you received this from a friend and want to receive my weekly post,
Haven't had a penpal but always yearned toward wanting one especially just to hold written word. Biking! Loved an area we once lived that had miles of state park access with a path straight from our home. However do you mage gears and a big hill, I'd shift too early or late, spinning to eternity. Ending up walking it. Helmets yes! My husband years later still has a bump on his head from a bee visit! Listen to Happiness tale and Spinning Wheels tune. That oldie was a favorite! Fun reminder to embrace biking, always a nice breeze! 🤗
I love your letters and love the way they always make me feel seen. Thanks so much, Kathryn.
I have had bicycles through the years but I cannot claim to be a bike rider. I tried… here the streets are too narrow for my liking. I cannot do it. It makes me too anxious; stressed. I would easier walk. And that I do as often as I can.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Love you dearly.
(So, I got the Substack App, at last!) let’s see how it goes. Thanks for introducing. Xoxo