Cycling: More Than Just Exercise, It's a Way of Life
I love cycling. And I still struggle to put into words just how much joy it brings me.
I didn’t start out on two wheels. I was a runner in college—miles, routines, sweat, discipline. But I also rode a bike a few miles each day from my apartment to class. At the time, it was just transportation. Practical. Convenient.
I had no idea it was quietly changing everything.
I Didn’t Plan to Become a Cyclist. It Just Happened.
While attending New Mexico State University, there was a lonely stretch of highway about five miles from my apartment. It wound through small villages and open land, far enough away that running there didn’t make much sense. Riding, though—that worked.
What made that road special wasn’t the distance. It was the trees.
For miles, the road passed beneath a canopy of pecan trees. The light filtered through the leaves. The air felt softer. The world slowed down. Those rides were calm in a way running never quite was. Before long, I noticed something surprising:
I was looking forward to those rides more than my runs.
At the time, I didn’t call it training. I didn’t log miles or chase fitness. It was just something I enjoyed—something that felt good in a deeper, quieter way.
Only years later did I realize the truth: those rides were the foundation of my life as a cyclist.
The Long View
Fast-forward to today and I’m still riding.
I’ve done century rides. I’ve ridden multi-day tours. I’ve chased sunrises, outrun storms, and crossed stretches of road where quitting would’ve been the easier choice. Cycling didn’t just stick—it became part of who I am.
What I love most is that cycling grows with you. It can be hard when you’re new, but if you stay with it—if you give yourself time to find your rhythm—you discover something runners, walkers, and gym-goers rarely talk about: Cycling gives you freedom.
The Few Things I Never Ride Without
I don’t believe in gear overload. After a lot of miles, I’ve narrowed it down to a few essentials—things that don’t distract from the ride, but quietly make it safer and more enjoyable.
🪖 A Helmet You Actually Trust
I don’t ride without one. Ever. Comfort matters, ventilation matters, but confidence matters most. A helmet should disappear once it’s on your head—and protect you if the worst happens.
🚨 Rear-Facing Awareness (Varia)
The Varia changed how relaxed I feel on the road. Knowing when a car is coming—before I hear it—lets me ride calmer and safer, especially on open highways.
🔍 A Simple Rearview Mirror (Take A Look)
This mirror is old-school and brilliant. No batteries. No pairing. Just a clear glance that keeps my head facing forward and my line steady.
🧤 Gloves That Don’t Annoy Me (HTZPLOO)
Nothing fancy—and that’s the point. They protect my hands, absorb vibration, and don’t distract me halfway through a ride.
🚴 Bib Shorts (Comfort Is Not Optional)
You can grit through a bad saddle for a while. You can’t grit through bad shorts. A good pair of bibs turns “How much longer?” into “Let’s keep going.”
- Helmet I trust — “Set it and forget it” comfort + real protection.
- Rear-facing radar (Varia) — More awareness, less anxiety.
- Take A Look rearview mirror — Simple, reliable, always there.
- HTZPLOO cycling gloves — Hand comfort and grip without fuss.
- Bib shorts I ride in — Comfort that keeps you riding longer.
Why Cycling Sticks
Cycling isn’t just exercise. It’s not just fitness. It’s not even about speed.
It’s about momentum—physical and mental. It’s about days when you start tired and finish lighter. It’s about roads you’d never see from a car. It’s about discovering you’re capable of more than you thought.
If you’re new to cycling, stick with it. Don’t rush it. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. The joy sneaks up on you—usually when you least expect it.
Still Grateful, Mile After Mile
I sometimes think back to that quiet road—the pecan trees, the filtered light, the feeling that something good was happening even if I couldn’t name it yet.
That’s the gift cycling gave me early on: not ambition, not competition—just joy.
I’m grateful for every mile since. Keep pedaling, my friends. Keep exploring. And keep enjoying the ride.
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