When I first started riding, it was all about the miles. I was new to the bike, a young strapping 44 and finally found a sport I was good at. I could climb any hill, cycle all day long, and seemed never to get tired. I was the wind.
Fast forward 11 years. NOT so strapping, sure as hell ain’t 44, but I can still climb anything you throw at me. I don’t go as far, but for good reason.
I am now the Oregon coast cyclist, I stop for amazing views, whales spouting and, as you can see here, to watch a bald eagle soar. I keep track of the miles, but now I ride for the experience, for the memories, for the life around me.
I am still good at what I do, and will keep doing it till the legs wear out. The bike is and always will be a time machine, making me feel younger and stronger than I truly am.
In my heart I truly hope that sometimes the eagle stops to watch me as I conquer a vicious headwind or make it over a steep climb. Maybe, just maybe, he smiles at me, as I do him when he soars.
The eagle and I are kindred spirits. Riding the winds, seeing the world and living the life. It is good to be free!
