Biking is more than just a means of getting from point A to point B—it’s a passion that fuels my life and keeps me moving forward, even when the world around me seems intent on throwing challenges my way.
On days when the rain is relentless, with icy drops pelting my face, I sometimes question whether this is just another test of my commitment to biking. But no matter how tough the conditions, the joy I get from biking never fades. Unlike the childhood thrills of monkey bars and swings that now only serve to remind me of my aging body, biking remains a timeless pleasure. It reconnects me with the carefree kid I once was, racing down dirt trails with my hair blowing back like a rock star, or at least that’s how I imagined it.
Today, biking is less about youthful exuberance and more about the pure thrill of exploration. Early morning rides remind me of those long-ago days when I felt like a member of an elite bike gang, free from all responsibilities except getting home before the streetlights came on. Now, biking has become my antidote to the overcrowded, stuffy confines of public transit. Rain, shine, or snow, I embrace every ride, relishing the physical challenge and mental clarity it brings.
Even in the dark, cold nights of Vancouver, my rides are often illuminated by unexpected encounters with wildlife—coyotes, owls, herons, and seals—proving that beauty can be found even in the most unlikely of moments. Biking is my daily escape, a meditative journey that helps me work through life’s challenges. Whether I’m fuming over a bad day at work or frustrated with a loved one, by the time I reach my destination, the ride has usually helped me find some peace and a path forward.
Passing on this passion to my son has been a priority for me. Our earliest biking adventures saw him securely tucked into a trailer behind me, offering his critiques of my pedaling speed and the “bumpiness” of the ride. As he grew older, his feedback became more vocal, especially as the trailer grew heavier. Despite the occasional mishap—like my ill-fated attempt at a BMX track that ended with me on the ground—I’ve never lost my enthusiasm for biking.
Biking is more than just a hobby; it’s a way of life that keeps me grounded, helps me overcome obstacles, and reminds me to enjoy the journey rather than just rush toward the destination. My hair may no longer be the feathered mane of my youth, but biking keeps me looking ahead, ready to tackle whatever comes next. In a world filled with fast cars and crowded buses, biking allows me to take control of my own adventure.
