It has been
quite a few years since I last wrote on my blog. I love capturing my
experiences in writing—riding, racing, and the adventures that come with it.
Even when I’m in a race, I find myself mentally blogging, holding onto key
moments—the thrill of making a pass, catching someone, noting the time or mile
mark. After all, we can’t remember every detail of a race, but those small,
special moments stick with us. Like spotting the first blooming pink Redbud
tree against the gray stillness of winter or noticing a tiny purple wildflower
tucked beneath a familiar root I ride over lap after lap.
I love bike
riding and racing. I love being in nature. Even after all these years, I still
can’t get enough. Life got busy, and I stepped away from writing, but maybe
it’s time to change that. The thoughts, emotions, and experiences that unfold
during a race feel too special not to share. The excitement, the energy—it all
begs to be put into words. But why? To self-express, to share the moment, the
passion, to inspire? Maybe to remind others how incredible it is to ride, no
matter your speed or results. The pure joy of riding often surpasses the
pressures of racing. Racing brings its own stress and expectations, but do we
all need to succeed? Do we need to push our limits just for a medal?
After all
these years, I’ve come to believe that racing isn’t just about winning. It’s
about the feeling—the burn in the legs, the fire in the lungs, the heartbeat
pounding in sync with the rhythm of the ride. It’s about the shared smiles with
fellow racers, the small talk on the trail, the cheers from the sidelines, the
rush of clearing a drop that once terrified you. Mountain biking and racing
bring both mental and physical challenges, but above all, they bring joy. For
many of us, this is a way of life. It defines who we are. The constant pursuit
of the next adventure, the preparation, the sacrifices—it’s all part of the
journey.
Is it worth
it? Who can say? Is it worth going to the movies, working in the garden? We
each find our own passions, our own sense of purpose. Whether it’s photographing
waterfalls, writing poetry, teaching yoga, or racing bikes and blogging about
it, what matters is that it brings us joy. It’s about filling life with the
things that matter to us, even if they seem insignificant to others. The things
that come from your heart and mind—those are the things that make you whole.
