As a youth, sure I played softball in high school and spent every
weekend at the roller rink, but I was never considered much of an
athlete. I was more of a tomboy who liked to chase the boys.
While I was in college, I dated a guy who raced bicycles. He got me my first BMX and Mountain bikes in hopes that we could ride together. Needless to say this was a total debacle. He threw me to the wolves, taking me on what seemed like really steep, rocky, muddy trails that were way beyond my ability at the time. Of course, I hurled every expletive I could muster and vowed to never ride with him again.
A short time later, I was riding through the famed Wissahickon Valley aka Fairmount Park and saw a group of 15 people gathering at the Inn with their mountain bikes. Being the social butterfly that I am, I said “hey, what are you guys up to?". As luck would have it, they were going mountain biking on the bike trails. For whatever deep, dark longing that was lurking unknowingly within; I said “hey, can I come along”?
Before I knew it, we were cruising along rocky, rooted, muddy trails that meandered and rolled up and down some of the most beautiful terrain I had encountered. I rode what I could and walked where I needed to. All the while, the group stretched out like a thin tightrope with the faster riders at the front and us slower folks bringing up the rear. That was all it took. I was hooked, line and sinker. Every Saturday and Sunday I met this same group which continued to grow. While the group has changed some, the ride still meets every weekend at noon.
It didn’t take long to realize that I found my bike soul. That was 20 years ago. Over these years I raced all over the USA and Canada. Today, I continue my love and passion for cycling and ride for fun. The best part is that I am still friends with many of the same people that I met all those years ago. We’re a crazy bunch, but a lovable bunch too. Once you share the blood, sweat and tears, you are bonded forever.
Anyone that can pedal two wheels can ride. If I hadn’t met up with this group, would my bike have laid to rust? So what’s the point you wonder? Sometimes first impressions need a second look. You just have to find the right group of people who make it fun. They’re out there. After all…girls like to get dirty too! So get out and ride and find your bike soul. It's your passport to freedom.
