For as long as I can remember biking has always been a big part of my life. I haven’t gone biking in a little while, but looking back I can remember how much it means to me. I didn’t get my drivers license till I was 23 years old, and until that point I either walked or biked, which was fine living in the small city I live in. But more that that, biking has always been somewhat of a spiritual thing for me. I think one of the things I appreciate most about biking is the perspective of the world it gives me. Walking has always given my mind too much time to wander, and driving is too fast for any sort of meaningful thoughts. Biking on the other hand creates this unique headspace where I feel like I connect with the world on a different level. The way the wind kisses my skin as I speed past soothes my soul and melts my worries away. The way objects pass me as I make my way by triggers thoughts and connections that I don’t get during any other mode of transportation.
Growing up my dad was always an avid biker in his own right, and continues to be. I feel like I caught the biking bug from him. Growing up I remember he had a beloved red Raleigh mountain bike that he cherished and babied very much. I was so jealous of that bike and wanted it really bad. Flash forward to yesterday. I got back into town from officiating my friend’s wedding, and waiting for me was a random box from my dad. Inside was the same bike I had wanted for all those years. I stood for a moment in disbelief before calling my dad. Not one to let things go, I thought he may have sent it to me by mistake. He hadn’t. He explained to me that he was getting rid of stuff to make room for other things and he knew how much I wanted this bike growing up, so he was giving it to me.
It’s funny how sometimes life comes around full circle and connects in different ways. I had been feeling like I wanted to go biking for a little while and just haven’t for one reason or another.
Now I think I will.