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Tall Socks? No Thank You!

I feel like I find myself thinking this on a regular basis lately.  Like, a TON.

I've recently increased my time on the bike trying to get in at least 3-4 days per week.  To some, that's not much, but to me it's a big improvement over nothing.  While riding has brought on feelings of empowerment, it's also brought on some other not-so-great feelings.  If you aren't aware, my life pretty much revolves around this industry (hence, the desire to actually RIDE more) and my renewed love in the sport has also begun to shine a light on some of the more judgmental side of this sport I love.

 Since starting out on a "real bike" in 2003, I've always just enjoyed the ride.  I started it because I "knew a guy" and continue it because riding has introduced me to some pretty awesome people and a career I never imagined...  I've never been into going fast or timing myself or paying attention to my heart rate zones.  It's just not my thing. That thing was never a big deal until more recently when I started looking around me.

 Many of the guys I work with could kick your a$$ on a bike.  They wear tall socks, talk about their power output and are found riding every spare moment they have.  Quite honestly, I've found myself embarrassed to ride around the shop I love so much in fear that I won't look cool enough.  How ridiculous is that?!  I HATE tall socks (cankles and bad tan lines).  I LOVE t-back jerseys (adorable).  I don't time myself (I don't even have a computer on my bike).  I like to talk when I'm riding ("girl...you wouldn't believe what I saw the other day!"). I love my hair in a side ponytail because, I'm a total girl.  

 One thing I've realized is that cycling is a selfish sport.  We all do it for different reasons.  Some do it to race and stand on the podium.  Others do it for fitness.  A few do it for a cause...  <-- that's me, by the way.  Some do a little of all of these.  Either way, we all do it because, in some form or function we LOVE it!

 I don't have a natural passion for cycling.  It's grown over the years.  I don't watch every race that comes on t.v.  I don't read every magazine and blog to see what the new latest and greatest widget will be.  I ride because I met a girl one time, did a charity ride because I knew her and realized that I can use my body to create just a little awareness for a disease that takes that same ability away from MILLIONS of people.  That girl I mentioned earlier happens to now be my best friend in the world.  And that disease is multiple sclerosis.  I've been doing that ride for 9 years now...

 Over those years, I've met some amazing people and I've met them because a little thing with 2 wheels brought us together.  It's when I remember those people and experiences that I remind myself how silly it is to be embarrassed.  I remind myself how lucky I am to be able to jump on a bike whenever I want and spend some time on the road with some pretty fun people!

 Screw tall socks!  I don't need to look "pro" to enjoy the ride...  ;-)
"Life is a beautiful ride"
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