Just the other day I loaded up my snacks and water to ride an out and back – just me myself and I amongst the fall colors. A couple miles down sands lake road a group of guys rode up behind me little ol’ me on my big looking fat bike and asked if I’d like to join them along their ride. I hooked on the back of their crew and rode with them for quite some time. Not only did this make the ride more enjoyable chatting with these other riders, but it also pushed me to ride a little faster than I would have alone. Yes, I eventually lost them as they sped off into the trees, but sure enough I ran into a large group of ladies and rode the way in chatting with them. Each person I met was kind, asked about my riding, but also saw past the superficial bike gear to ask me about myself in general.
When race day comes, I hope each person you cross paths with you treat with kindness. Whether they’re zooming past you up icebreaker hill or you’re patiently riding behind them in the single track waiting your turn to pass when the trail opens up, we are all out there doing this amazing thing together.
The endurance community, especially the bike community, is amazing. It reminds me of what life in general should be like – kindness, spreading encouragement, seeing the good in all things, enjoying the scenery along this crazy path of life, and just enjoying the ride.
Thank you to our 2024 Iceman Ambassador Allyson Klug @allysonklug