Maybe my love of cycling is directly related to the satisfaction I get from feeling in control of my existence!!!
(It's so rare that we get to enjoy this feeling, we might as well say it when we become aware of it!)
When I'm on my bike, I have the delicious feeling that I've made the right decision.
For making the right choices in life.
Nothing less!
I'm convinced that I'm in the saddle in every area of my life.
I take the path I want, I go at the speed I want and I smile at people, if I like.
I'm in touch with reality.
I can smell the fresh air and feel the raindrops because I choose to!
I'm at the wheel of a moment of pure freedom.
I thwart obstacles, overcome road challenges and speed along at the speed of light.
In reality, I'm quietly riding a lady's bike, with a basket in front for my pannier and a baby seat behind.
Never mind, I'm the queen of the runway!
I get a kick out of watching people in their cars, circling to find a parking space or staring into space, looking as if they regret not experiencing the road as I do!
When I arrive at my destination, I feel the admiration of fellow motorists, who often arrive late, complaining about the traffic or weather conditions.
I smile back, my hair a mess, my cheeks flushed as if I'd just come back from a happy ski trip.
At this very moment, I feel I've made the right choice. Even more, that my life is a succession of good choices! That I'm exactly where I should be.
I savor the moment because the next minute, I might remember that I forgot to take off my pajama bottoms, realize that I'm in the wrong place or receive a call from one of my children's schools, all of which would make that feeling of calm disappear instantly.
Sometimes I do.
On a cold, busy or simply lazy day, I take the car.
Every time I meet the eyes of an intrepid cyclist with a big smile, I feel that my life is full of bad decisions.
I regret my posture and arrive at my appointment a little late, with the unpleasant feeling that my destiny is slipping away from me.
I remember with nostalgia the woman I was yesterday, free, light-hearted, proud-looking. And I promise myself that tomorrow will be another day.
By bike.
É. Xxx
