Musings of the Two Wheeled Variety

I did something this weekend that many would consider ridiculous to attempt. I completed my third century bike ride - I rode 100 miles in just a little over 8 hours on Saturday. Started at 6am and watched the sun come up...and saw great expanses of the southeastern Minnesota countryside.

So, what do you learn when you spend 8 hours on two skinny wheels and a tiny uncomfortable seat?

1. Keep your eyes on the road. Holes and bumps often sneak up unexpectedly, and if you're not prepared for them, you're liable to hit them or fall in. Some of the bumps cannot be avoided, but if you are ready for them, you can brace yourself, making the impact less threatening.

2. Things on the road are not the only threats you will face. Some dangers will come out of nowhere, barking and growling and threatening to chase you down. Others will come in like a gust of wind, ready to knock you over, unseen, but nonetheless felt.

3. Nourishment is vital. You will run out of fuel, and you need to make sure you keep your tank full.

4. Never underestimate the power of a word of encouragement. Sometimes a smile or a 'Good Job!' is enough to get you the next 10 miles.

5. Those that are available to help you are not often right in front of your eyes. Sometimes you have to seek out a helping hand intentionally, or you will miss the opportunity.

6. Things that appear to be obstacles sometimes change into opportunities. That wind that was blowing in your face and slowing you down turns into a wonderful push when you change direction.

7. A good song (or two or eight) can be the difference between staying sane and going nuts when you are out on the road by yourself. It becomes a wonderful companion for those lonely miles.

8. Be prepared. Making sure you have extra supplies and tools can be the difference between success and failure when you have an unexpected accident.

9. Not all pain is crippling. Sometimes it just makes the journey a little harder for a while.

10. Not all pain lasts forever.

11. Hills are both good and bad. Most uphills have an accompanying downhill...but not all of them do.

12. There are other riders on the same journey as you. Often they are facing the same struggles you are...and sharing the same joys. Befriend them - learn from them - encourage them.

13. Sometimes you can move just as fast going downhill without pedaling as you can going uphill pedaling...or even faster. Take advantage of those times.

14. Trust your vehicle.

15. Take time to say hi to old friends, especially those that have been doing what you're doing for longer than you. They often have wise advice.

16. There are people looking out for you.

17. Windbreaks are nice, but don't always 'break' the wind. Sometimes they just turn a wind that is a cross wind into a headwind for a moment.

18. Appearances aren't everything...for either the rider or the bike. Some of the more beat up looking bikes and unlikely (or young) riders are just as good (if not better) than the shiny bikes and the 'hardcore' looking riders.

19. You are going to be better than some riders some of the time and worse than some riders some of the time. Your position will likely change over the course of the ride...several times.

20. Never take things like being able to get off of your bike for granted. Sometimes you just can't.