My bike and the journey it has taken me on.

So, here it is, my bike. You've all probably seen it before and know that its not the lightest, newest or even the one loaded with fancy components. Its just a basic middle of the road Scott road bike. The journey it has taken me on however is anything but basic and middle of the road.

I think I have had the bike 4 seasons now. I would have to look that up to be sure but anyway that's not important. What is important is the story the bike could tell if it could talk. I have rode this bike 1000's of miles. Around 6 or 7,000 actually. Went through countless sets of tires, tubes CO2 cartridge's etc. It has always been there rain, shine, sleet, snow short rides or long epic 115 mile a day rides. Thanks to the guys at Vertical Earth I know that my bike will not be the one to fail, my legs, lungs or head might but not my bike.

I have been blessed over the past 5 years to meet some amazing people and form friendships that I know will last a lifetime all because of cycling. I have great memories of times spent out on the bike either in a race or just a group ride. Some of these memories get me through the times I feel like quiting in a race or push me just that little bit harder when I want to give up. For the most part though these memories are things I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Recently one of my friends and fellow racers was hit by a car from behind while out on a training ride. He is lucky to be alive but unable to ride his bike currently. I think a lot about him now, especially when I get on my bike. I don't let the fear of being hit consume me, I do however find
myself paying even more attention to drivers when I am out on the road. I also have thought a lot about how lucky I am to be able to ride my bike and what I would do if I couldn't. It would SUCK that's for sure. I can't even begin to think of how Ted is dealing with not being able to do something that means so much to him, and to have it be because of someone who wasn't paying enough attention while out on the road.

So, this post is for a lot of different reasons. I realize just how lucky I am to be blessed enough to ride my bike, be decent at it and most of all to have great friends who love the sport as much as I do. To some of you reading this it may not make sense to why I feel so lucky to have this bike but most of you will understand. This bike is more than just a bike, it is an outlet for my stress, it is a sense of pride and accomplishment every time I finish a race, and it is a great way to spend time seeing the beautiful area that we live in.