May 11, 2020

Cycling has been a big a part of my life, and my identity, for decades. Ever since I was a kid in the 70’s, I have always loved to ride my bike. Over the past 40 something years, I have been a racer, a tourist, and a commuter, but regardless of labels I have always just been someone who loves to ride.

There was a period (late 80s and 90s) when I took cycling seriously…maybe too seriously. I kept a training journal, logged my heart rate, and structured rides based on training categories (intervals, base miles, recovery, etc). Eventually though, I burned out on racing and recaptured that simple joy of riding that I had always felt as a kid. Now at age 50, the bike still represents freedom and a sense of adventure. Riding keeps me physically healthy and feeling young, but the mental benefit is even greater. No matter what else happens in life, I know that a bike ride will make me happy… and that stress and anxiety will melt away.

These days, I ride my bike to work every day (at least I did before the coronavirus lockdown), and I ride for fun on the weekends. Whether I am riding for transportation or for recreation though, I still smile every time I turn the pedals and feel the wind in my face. There is really is nothing like riding a bike, and it’s something that I plan to do for the rest of my life.

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/jctdesign/
Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/jamesthomas

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