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Uncontrollable Urge

by Errin on September 9, 2010

What is it about riding a bike over long distances that is so appealing? When I tell people that I’m planning to ride a 400k this weekend they look at me like I’m crazy. They are right of course. I was thinking about the ride on my commute home tonight and I couldn’t help but think to myself “just why am I doing this?”.

Honestly, I don’t know what it is myself. I guess it’s the sense of adventure. Something that my Pops and my Aunt instilled in me when I was a kid. I’m not even thinking about the portion of the ride in the daylight. I’m looking forward to the night riding. The thought of riding through the night and seeing the sunrise. The thought of riding on a freeway in the dark alongside speeding cars. (Just kidding Serbrina, I wouldn’t do that.) The adventure of knowing that my car is 250 miles away and the only way to get there is from the power of my own legs and mental determination. Will I make it? If I do, what then? The next adventure of course

This urge to seek out adventure is powerful. The best part is that you’re never done.

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From → Bikes

  • http://mobile.jennix.com jennix

    I totally understand. I seriously considered going out and riding that route this weekend, just because. It’s a nice route, and i’ve done all of it at one point or another.

  • rod

    Though I have yet to ride distances of any speakable length. Longest ride to date is 50 miles. I know that getting back into cycling after 20 plus years off has been a real confidence builder. I always loved cycling but thought it was only about the spandex mentality. Ride as fast as one can and feel shame if dropped behind. There is so much more to cycling and the different disciplines that are out there. The other day I rode downtown and thought I could just keep riding to Venice Beach. My problem these days is dividing my time between cycling (for myself) and spending time with the family. On perfect days I get to do both.

  • http://apertome.com/blog/ Apertome

    I’m not sure what it is, either, I haven’t done any rides as long as some of yours, but still, the distance pull is strong …

    Good luck!

  • Jaime

    We all get the same reaction from friends and co-workers. I like the whole logistical/physical challenge. But it takes more than muscle and endurance. It takes a hell of a lot of nerve and courage, too. I have to also say that my friends and family and especially my wife have been uber supportive.

  • http://www.lifewithoutwheels.com danceralamode

    Why do we do it? I know for me the urge partly stems from the challenge. I know that at some point during the ride I’m going to feel like I just can’t do it, and the challenge is overcoming that challenge, digging deep, and finding the will to overcome. I feel like every time I do one of these long rides, I learn more and more about who I am and what I’m capable of. And every time I finish (whether or not I complete the ride or not) I come out more self-aware, self-assured, and confident in who I am and what I’m about.

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